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* Right click and save target as to download 		One of the most significant components of SMF's plans for sustainability is a sophisticated and far-reaching research and development (R&D) effort. SMF has a number of major programs under way, including work in tree improvement, silviculture, soil nutrients, pest and disease control, and nursery improvements. With a staff of more than 400 people, including 50 researchers, SMF has made its investment in forestry research and development a key part of its sustainability program.

SMF's R&D operation has a clear, singular objective which is to produce the best quality pulpwood in the world. SMF's R&D missions are to:
  1. enhance competitiveness by adopting world-class standards and environmentally friendly practices;
  2. improve plantation productivity through the development and application of leading technologies;
  3. conduct research to overcome problems encountered in existing plantations.

SMF's tree-improvement programs are focused both on growth (as measured by mean annual increment or MAI) and on yield (reducing the green tons of fiber required to produce one metric ton of pulp). The main goals of the tree-improvement program are identifying, multiplying and producing genetically superior planting material, and doing so by adopting leading technologies. SMF's tree improvement team continuously expands their genetic base by conducting seed exploration in the species' native growing regions, such as Papua, Flores, and other islands in Indonesia.

Eucalyptus is a species of particular interest to SMF because it is fast growing, has good pulping characteristics, and has 10% higher pulping productivity than Acacia. Eucalyptus strands are also suffer fewer pest and disease attacks. In addition, the species shows no sign of aging an effect when it is subjected to cloning, and has shown some promise in terms of enhanced growth and yield. SMF's efforts to develop a superior Eucalyptus clone offers strong potential to support the company's goals for sustainability through improved yields and productivity in the forest and at customers' mills.

In the past year, SMF has produced one of the best Eucalyptus clones in the world (Eucalyptus pellita EP05). This clone has been protected by securing a Plant Variety Protection Certificate (PVT) issued by the Department of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia in early 2007. The clone was released for commercial planting after being screened for suitability to lowland humid tropic areas, fast growth, pest and disease resistance, wood properties, and coppicing ability.

SMF's plantation-focused efforts continue to deliver multiple benefits, among them, increasing the sustainable supply of fiber to meet the market's need for paper, and decreasing the burden on Indonesia's forest ecosystems.