KUALA LUMPER, MALAYSIA — Global sales of certified sustainable palm oil rose 65% in the first half of the year to 1,117,042 tonnes, which compared with 678,181 tonnes in the first half of 2013, according to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. The findings marked the first time sales of certified sustainable palm oil grew faster than supply, which increased 29% in the first half of the year.
“This is good news for certified growers who will now get more return on investment for their sustainable practices,” said Darrel Webber, secretary general for the R.S.P.O., when the sales figures were given Aug. 12. “The key to making the whole palm oil industry sustainable is to share responsibility between palm oil producer and consumer markets.”
The sales were reported in an eTrace system through identity preserved (IP), segregated (SG) and mass balance (MB) supply chains.
“Europe has been a leading market in C.S.P.O. purchases for a while, and we also see some growth in new markets, namely U.S., Australia, China, which confirms a rising global industry trend towards 100% sustainable palm oil,” said Danielle Morley, European director of outreach and engagement for the R.S.P.O.
The R.S.P.O. promotes the growth and use of sustainable palm oil products through global standards and shareholder engagement. The R.S.P.O. unites stakeholders from seven sectors: oil palm producers, palm oil processors or traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, banks and investors, environmental or nature conservation non-governmental organizations (N.G.O.s), and social or developmental N.G.O.s.
