Two decades ago, visionary leaders in our industry created a global platform for a sustainable palm oil industry. In the years since, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) has catalysed a transformation in sustainability standards and practices in global vegetable oils. But global sustainability challenges are still growing, with existential consequences for our natural resources, food systems and the workers and communities at the heart of our production system. Global temperature records are being shattered, with the last nine years being the hottest since record keeping began in 1880. The protection of our remaining forests is now a civilisational imperative. And the livelihood and food security needs of our communities continue to grow.
We are acutely aware of the need to rethink our approaches. The solutions that power our success today will not overcome the problems of tomorrow. Demonstrating sustainability impact in the coming years will require a combination of strong standards, robust verification, and transparent, evidence-based claims. The recent revision of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil Standards is our first step in this direction.
Evolving the RSPO standards
For nearly two decades, the RSPO standards have been the gold standard for responsible, ethical and sustainable palm oil production and trade. Every five years, these standards undergo a rigorous, stakeholder-led review process to maintain the relevance and credibility of Certified Sustainable Palm Oil and associated products in a sustainability-driven global market.
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