RSPO roundtable to ‘turn the page’ on palm oil sourcing for Europe
The RSPO established in 2004 to promote the production and use of sustainable palm oil, now has a membership of 1400 entities and RSPO certified growers accounting for 16% of the world wide palm oil production.
According to the organisation, Europe is leading this global market transformation but more needs to be done in the market as only 52% of sustainable palm oil is bought, and increasing market demand is critical to drive up production of sustainable palm oil by the growers.
“2014 presents a great opportunity to turn the page on palm oil: more and more European industries are getting together to form national alliances to commit to use 100% CSPO, in the Netherlands, Belgium, UK, France, Germany and Sweden,” say reps.
"However; NGOs, scientists and local communities continue to issue alarming reports about forest and biodiversity loss and social conflicts in areas where palm oil is grown," they add.
'Reassuring consumers that the right thing is being done in a complex environment'
The round table planned for the 4th of June in London is set to illustrate to supply chain managers, marketers and business strategists where the market is going, and how to position and reassure consumers that the right thing is being done in a complex environment.
Industry professionals from food and cosmetic backgrounds are then invited to join the debate on the role and responsibility of Europe to make certified sustainable palm oil the norm, and learn the practical steps to take on the journey towards supply chain certification, third party auditing and how to make a claim.
The agenda will also include talks on how leading organisations are innovating change in their palm oil supply chain, and how smallholder producers have a role to play too.
Case studies to show the way
Croda's vice president global accounts, Chris Sayner, will also be presenting 'Developing the Physical Supply Chain in H&PC' to further illustrate the company’s commitment to using raw materials from sustainable sources and highlight the steps it is taking to support the physical supply chain of sustainable palm oil (PO) and palm kernel oil (PKO) derivatives.
By 2015, the specialty chemicals company aims to have RSPO Supply Chain Certification in manufacturing sites handling PO/PKO and derivatives and is working towards certifying their PO supply chains by 2017.
