RSPO trademark boosts industry participation in sustainable palm oil sourcing

Since its introduction in May 2011, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) has issued 61 trademark licences across 13 countries. The RSPO trademark indicates the use of RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO) in a product.

The trademark boosts the visibility of efforts by RSPO supply chain members, helping consumers to identify and differentiate between sustainably and non-sustainably sourced products, and make informed and responsible choices. From RSPO certification at plantation level to the trademark on the end product, it symbolises industry commitment to actively increase the sustainability of palm oil production globally and to act more responsibly in conserving the environment and protecting local communities in producing countries.

Processors and traders play an essential role in ensuring the flow of sustainable palm oil through the supply chain to the customer. Chris Holmes, sales representative at Stephenson Group, a leading speciality soap base manufacturer, says: “As a soap base supplier, our products do not carry the trademark. However, we established and have played a key role in developing a segregated supply chain in order to support, promote and allow the trademark to be used on-pack by our downstream customers worldwide.”

RSPO aims to further increase the adoption of the trademark. Darrel Webber, secretary general of the RSPO, says: “We see the trademark as the ultimate vehicle to bring the subject of sustainable palm oil closer to consumers, boost demand for CSPO and encourage market uptake.”

The approved list of trademark licencees includes growers, processors, traders and retailers from various industries that produce food to household and personal care products, including Sime Darby Plantation Sdn Bhd, Kerry Foods, L’Occitane en Provence, etc. View the complete list at the RSPO website www.rspo.org

Note: The use of the RSPO trademark is limited to products in which at least 95% of all palm-derived ingredients are sourced in compliance with RSPO supply chain systems.