SUSTAINABILITY
With increased scrutiny on the sustainability of palm oil, the identity preserved supply chain model is considered the highest standard Photo: Adobe Stock
The growth of IP palm There are three main supply chain models to follow when it comes to producing certified sustainable palm oil, with Identity Preserved (IP) demanding the most stringent standards as it provides complete traceability back to the plantation Barnaby Patchett
Global businesses are under increasing pressure to improve their sustainability credentials and cut carbon footprints. As the world looks to decarbonise, governments are strengthening legislation and introducing mandatory reporting measures, and organisations are pledging to slash their carbon use and achieve net zero emissions in the coming years. Staying compliant with strengthening legislation and achieving these ambitious targets will be a real challenge. It is no longer enough for businesses to look at their own operations – there is an increasing expectation that sustainability policies must cover the entire supply chain.
Legislative push
For palm oil users, quantifying the impact of their palm oil use can be difficult but Identity Preserved (IP) solutions could prove to be integral to achieving sustainable change. Sustainable palm oil specialist, Judith Murdoch, of Murdoch Associates and Efeca, explains: “Governments across the world are all moving in the same direction on sustainability – towards passing legislation designed to prevent deforestation and protect biodiversity. “There’s a push for more accountability from businesses, who will need to prove they are making the right purchasing decisions. We’re already seeing it in the 24 OFI – SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
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UK with a proposed new Environment Bill, and the EU is considering similar regulations. “For businesses that use commodities such as palm oil, the message is clear – sustainability is no longer optional. You need to do your due diligence on your supply chains, to ensure that the ingredients you are sourcing are truly sustainable.” The legislative changes could be further influenced by the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference (COP26) from 31 October to 12 November later this year in Glasgow. As the world’s governments agree to take action – this is likely to put further pressure on global businesses to move forward with targets to reduce greenhouse emissions.
Ensuring traceability
Palm oil has been controversial as a result of the historic clearance of tropical rainforests, the impact on endangered species and the displacement of indigenous people across Asia. Over the past 15 years, organisations such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and the Rainforest Alliance have helped to transform the industry, setting out clear standards and expectations for sustainable, ethical production. The industry has come a long way over the past decade and today, certified
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13/09/2021 13:49:45
