Indonesian ambassador visits UK paper supplier

UK-based independent paper and board supplier, Elliott Baxter and Company (EBB) was visited last week by the Indonesian ambassador to the UK.

Pak Desra Percaya, the 21st ambassador of Indonesia to the United Kingdom, visited EBB’s head office in Farnborough, accompanied by his trade attaché and coordinator for economic affairs, with the aim of fostering diplomacy, trade, and sustainability.

The visit began with an exchange of gifts – a paper Indonesian flag made from handcrafted flowers was presented to Percaya, who in return gifted EBB a packaged selection of Indonesian coffee.

Tim, Matt, and Rebecca Elliott, all of whom work for the family-run business, then hosted a tour of EBB’s facilities, providing a detailed overview of its supply chain model, distribution network, and the range of sectors it supports including commercial print, food packaging, and healthcare.

A discussion followed with the ambassador, covering industry issues such as deforestation, upcoming regulatory changes under the EUDR, the importance of supply chain due diligence, and EBB’s commitment to responsible sourcing.

According to EBB, its responsible sourcing includes the protection of indigenous rights and the recognition of communities whose lives and livelihoods are closely tied to forested landscapes.

The ambassador is said to have expressed Indonesia’s ambition to be a strong and credible supplier to the global market, noting that several sustainability initiatives are being prepared for rollout – many of which are dependent on the release of pledged funding from the annual United Nations climate change conference, the Conference of the Parties (COP).

At the event, Percaya also acknowledged the challenges posed by geography, highlighting that carbon emissions from transport can disproportionately impact sourcing from regions such as Southeast Asia. However, he stressed that transport-related carbon should not be a barrier to sustainable trade.

Following the visit, EBB has highlighted the need for open dialogue, shared responsibility, and continued collaboration across borders.

In a statement on the event, EBB says: “At EBB, we are proud to be part of this evolving and essential conversation and one that can help shape the future of our industry from our supply chains to our customers.”