As a world-wide multi stakeholder organization and international certification scheme for sustainable palm oil, the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) intends to comment on the environmental aspects of the palm oil discussion which is taking place in France, partly in connection with and partly independent from the recent development on the proposed palm oil tax increase in France.
With the escalating global demand for vegetable oil due to population increase and growing affluence (particularly in India and China), palm oil remains the most popular choice to meet this demand, due to its high versatility for a broad range of applications. Palm oil is the most widely produced vegetable oil, and is one of the most inexpensive oils, with the highest yield per hectare.
In order to address the environmental concerns surrounding the production of palm oil, in 2005 RSPO established a certification standard based on a set of Principles and Criteria which ensure that primary forests, high conservation value areas and endangered wildlife species are protected. The certification process is audited by independent Certification Bodies which must be accredited by a third party accreditation body.
The RSPO standard has been globally accepted in major palm oil producing countries around the world, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Latin America, West Africa and Cambodia. To date, approximately 14% of crude palm oil produced globally is RSPO certified. RSPO members’ annual production capacity stands at more than 7 million metric tons over 1.6 million hectares of certified area.
In June 2011 RSPO launched its Trademark for consumer goods products. Within just over a year, 72 licensees have been granted across 14 countries including France. The RSPO Trademark offers a wellinformed choice for consumers who can now identify and differentiate products which use RSPOcertified sustainable palm oil.
The European Union and France have a prominent role to play in supporting the production and use of sustainable palm oil so that growers from developing nations continue to be motivated to produce according to RSPO’s sustainability standards. In addition, a consistent demand for sustainable commodities from European consumer markets will allow growers’ communities to sustain their livelihoods.
Already a significant number of RSPO member companies in Europe, including well-known organizations in France, have committed towards supporting the procurement of certified sustainable palm oil. Their achievements have been communicated through the Annual Communications of Progress Reports published by the RSPO.
The RSPO calls on European industries and consumers to take a firm lead on the transition towards a more sustainable production and consumption path, by opting for certified sustainable palm oil.
