Paperone™ Partner Spotlight | December 2023

In this issue, leading paper and pulp manufacturer APRIL Group showcases the expanding partner network of its flagship brand PaperOne™. Every month, we get up close with one of our partners for an insightful interview detailing their achievements and how they have overcome challenges to get to where they are today.

The Lifelong Business of Learning

Ms Jessy Soh, Business Development Director of Perfect Paper Sdn. Bhd., a paper product supplier based in Selangor, Malaysia, believes in the value of continuous innovation. In this December publication, she discusses the company’s 12-year strong partnership with PaperOne, and how it has proven indispensable to a sustainable and fruitful career.

Hi Ms Soh, could you share a little background on Perfect Paper Sdn. Bhd.?

We are a paper merchant business founded in November 2011. Based in Selangor, Malaysia, Perfect Paper was formerly known as ST Perfect. Some of our services include paper converting, paper indent, paper tender projects, and acting as mill agency for boxboard. We carry a wide range of products, such as art paper, wood-free paper, art cards, colour paper, newsprint, book binding materials, and more.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

Iâve spent 21 years in the industry, with 12 of those years at Perfect Paper. I love that my job allows me to be creative when it comes to pushing out new paper products and printing techniques. Also, I relish the sense of accomplishment from witnessing tangible results in the form of gorgeous printed materials and carefully crafted packaging. Lastly, it’s truly amazing seeing our Perfect Paper products on display shelves for retail.

How long has Perfect Paper been a PaperOne partner?

Weâve been growing together with APRIL Group for nearly 12 years – the product ranges we carry include PaperOne Offset Paper, PrintOne Offset, PaperOne Laser, PaperOne Pre-Print+, and PaperOne Digital. Through the partnership, weâve received technical training and valuable advice that has helped us to develop new and improved customer service strategies.

Are there other benefits from this partnership?

Definitely. PaperOne’s brand representatives have always been supportive and professional, promoting products that have exceptional quality, high white shade, and fantastic pulp formation. Not only has PaperOne provided online and field training to our departments, but the APRIL team has also offered continuous engagement and product updates, enabling us to be more creative in serving our target market.

I believe that this partnership has helped to boost our position in the industry. We are able to offer certified paper products, thanks to PaperOne’s trusted certifications, as well as leverage PaperOne’s global expertise for continuous learning and development. In 2022, we successfully won the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka project, and delivered on time to meet customer requirements!

Weâre glad to offer resources that your company finds useful and profitable!

Another thing that really impressed us about PaperOne is the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. This has been a game changer for our business.

Sustainability is indeed a key focus for us in everything that we do. How has this affected your business?

Firstly, it has provided us with a competitive edge in the market. Today’s customers are more discerning and prefer businesses that prioritise environmentally-friendly practices, and our association with PaperOne distinctly brands us as a forward-thinking, environmentally-conscious provider.

Secondly, the continuous innovation, from product quality to sustainable practices, has allowed us to offer cutting-edge solutions for our clients. This not only drives customer satisfaction but also boosts loyalty.

Thirdly, the emphasis on sustainability has resonated deeply with our customer base. This sense of trust and loyalty stems from the assurance that they are purchasing from a brand that genuinely cares about the planet. Overall, I wholeheartedly support the continued focus on innovation and sustainability. It’s not just a business strategy; it’s a vision for a better future.

Can you elaborate on how the future of the paper and pulp industry is headed in this direction?

In the digitalisation era, there are three approaches we can take to stay ahead of the curve. Innovation and sustainability are at the heart of them. Implementing a suite of digital solutions that are customisable to evolving challenges – this is very important. Also, we must constantly strive to improve operational efficiency and reduce cost. Finally, it’s essential to build strategic partnerships with knowledgeable brands like PaperOne. This will allow us to remain up to date with the latest trends and innovations, thus helping us to stay cost-competitive.

Thank you for taking the time for our interview, Ms Soh. PaperOne appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with Perfect Paper, and we look forward to many more years of supporting each other.

In this series, world-leading pulp and paper manufacturer APRIL Group features the success stories behind the diverse and talented partners of its flagship brand PaperOne™. Each month, we highlight a different partner’s journey and get inspired by their secrets to success.

Evolving with the Times

On the subject of what keeps customers coming back for more, Crosspoint Paper, Inc. attributes it to the ability to accommodate changing needs as well as its delivery of consistently top-notch service. In this December issue, Brian Co, General Manager of Crosspoint Paper, Inc., shares how the company’s partnership with PaperOne has helped to fulfil its business goals.

So, Mr Co, could you give us a bit of background on Crosspoint Paper, Inc.?

Of course. We were founded in 1991 and are based in the Philippines. With more than 32 years in the paper and pulp business, we have been providing quality paper products to clients for decades. Our company specialises in selling cut-size paper and printer paper sizes nationwide.

How long have you been with Crosspoint Paper, Inc.?

10 years. During this time, Iâve witnessed all the challenges weâve had to overcome. Very proud of our team’s agility and preparedness to evolve according to the needs of our customers. For example, following the plastic ban in 2010, we started converting kraft paper into paper bags to fill the market gap and meet client requirements.

That is something we take seriously, too. On that note, we are delighted to be your company’s trusted partner for the past 15 years!

We truly appreciate how PaperOne is always working to make their products better, and they’re great about asking for our input. Plus, we’re really thankful for the ongoing support they give us with their competitive pricing.

You know, Crosspoint Paper may not be the biggest paper supplier in the country, but like PaperOne, we do our best when it comes to customer service and accountability. From the start, weâve set up our business to prioritise quality and volume over profitability. We plan to ship directly to clients in the future as their businesses continue to evolve.

What are some of the PaperOne products that you carry or sell?

We bring in cut-size products for wholesale and retail. And we also convert PaperOne’s Offset and Laser paper to large sheet sizes to fulfil printing needs across industries.

We heard you got to visit our pulp and paper mill at Pangkalan Kerinci in Riau Province, Sumatra. How did it go?

Our most recent visit to the Kerinci mill for the Paper & Print Academy event opened my eyes to the scale of operations at PaperOne! I went on this trip with our Vice President, and it was our first time visiting a paper mill. We were fascinated by the systematic and immense loading bay, including the mill’s cranes and forklifts that all fit inside the containers to facilitate direct loading. For us, it was a reflection of how capable a company must be to successfully operate and compete on an international scale.

Has Crosspoint Paper’s partnership with PaperOne helped your company in any way?

Yes. The continuous supply of paper as well as the marketing support provided has helped us a lot. Having tried paper from other mills, I can safely say that APRIL products have had the fewest complaints from our clients. Its high smoothness and thickness makes it wonderful to work with.

Last but not least, what are your thoughts on the future of the paper and pulp industry?

The unprecedented pandemic that hit us fast tracked the digitalisation era, with many offices switching to work from home and hybrid setups permanently. As a result, weâve seen a huge decrease in paper usage from corporate clients.

However, I donât see the requirement for paper disappearing anytime soon. The key to continue thriving is the willingness to be flexible and adapt to people’s needs.

We concur! Thank you for your support for PaperOne, Mr Co, and we look forward to many more years of successful partnership with Crosspoint Paper, Inc.