15 April 2024

In this series, industry-leading paper and pulp manufacturer APRIL Group highlights the valuable partnerships of its flagship brand PaperOne™. Every month, we sit down and have a chat with a different partner on their accomplishments, challenges, and their journey.

Together through Thick and Thin

In the paper and pulp industry, weight is a measure of the thickness of paper. For Mr Andre Iskandar, the Director of PT Sinarbintang Timra (PT SBT), PaperOne’s unwavering partnership with his company throughout the good and bad is a measure of and a testament to the strength of a worthy business collaboration. In this month’s issue of Partner Spotlight, Mr Iskandar shares his experience as a valued partner of PaperOne for the last several years.

It’s good to see you, Mr Iskandar. Could you tell us more about your company and your role?

PT SBT is a paper and office stationery distributor based in Denpasar, Bali. The company started in 1982 and operates in several regions within Indonesia, such as Eastern Indonesia, North Sumatra, Jambi, and Bali. I have been a director with PT SBT since 1991 and am responsible for our Strategic and Company Operations Management, and the Quality Assurance of our products.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

The paper industry presents me with many challenges and in turn, opportunities for me and my team to come up with outside-the-box solutions. Challenges also teach me to plan proactively ahead to prepare for difficult situations. I always encourage my team to step out of their comfort zone, and explore creative and unique ways of conducting business.

How long has your company been collaborating with PaperOne?

Our company has been a proud partner of PaperOne since the end of 2016. Kusnan Rahmin, the former paper country head of APRIL Indonesia, inspired the collaboration when he supported the idea that APRIL products were ahead of their competitors, which presented a market gap for us to tap into.

Now, we sell a wide range of products—PaperOne Offset Paper and cut-size paper in various sizes and weights. We even use PaperOne Digital and PaperOne All Purpose in our own office. We are furthering our partnership with APRIL Group and are currently looking to step into the paperboard market.

Could you share with us some memorable moments from the partnership?

There are many notable memories from the course of our partnership, but one of the defining moments of the partnership's success was seeing the growing presence of PaperOne products in Bali. Back in 2016, you would not be able to find PaperOne products anywhere on the island. Now, you can find them everywhere, from the photocopy shops by the beach to the mountainside resorts.

What do you think makes the partnership with PaperOne so lasting?

We share similar values with PaperOne, which is essential to a strong foundation for any business partnerships. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we helped our clients tide over the difficult times by providing soft-loan schemes as a payment option, keeping them afloat amidst a volatile financial climate. We have since gained a reputation of trust amongst our clients.

Likewise, PaperOne was a big help to us during difficult moments. In being supportive throughout our years of partnership, the PaperOne team has grown to become like family. During the pandemic, the team even sent us masks and gloves to keep our employees safe. We appreciate their thoughtfulness that extends beyond business.

We’re glad to hear that! What does PT SBT’s future outlook look like?

Moving forward, changes in technology are certain and imminent. We believe that APRIL’s focus on sustainability will keep us relevant in the changing face of the industry, where increasingly discerning consumers choose brands that are forward-thinking and environmentally-conscious.

For instance, the PaperOne Digital Carbon Neutral paper exemplifies PaperOne’s innovative character; a product made with the environment in mind while remaining uncompromising in quality. Such standards set by PaperOne products heightens the perception of our brand and the value of our business.

Finally, do you have any last words on the partnership between PaperOne and PT SBT?

We hope for an enduring partnership and closer working ties in the future. We also look forward to more shared successes and more possibilities with PaperOne’s product range.

Thank you for taking the time to share about your company’s journey with PaperOne, Mr Iskandar. We, too, look forward to our continued collaboration in the years ahead!