MINNEAPOLIS — Palm oil products that Cargill supplies to its customers in Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand will be certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil and/or originated from smallholder growers by 2015, although the goal excludes palm kernel oil products, the Minneapolis-based company said July 12.
Cargill said by 2020 the commitment will extend across all Cargill’s oil and trading business to cover 100% of its palm oil products and all customers worldwide, including China and India.
“Cargill is an active supporter of sustainable palm and has been a member of the R.S.P.O. since it was founded,” said Paul Conway, vice-chairman of Cargill. “We hope this commitment will encourage more participation across the supply chain and help R.S.P.O. palm oil become the mainstream. This goal will help us meet the rising demand from sustainable palm oil products amongst manufacturers and retailers, while continuing to encourage palm oil producers to adopt more sustainable practices.”
Cargill already offers palm oil products certified by the R.S.P.O., and its refineries in Europe, Malaysia, the United States and Australia have received R.S.P.O. certification. Its oil palm plantation at PT Hindoli in Sumatra, Indonesia, also has been certified.
The R.S.P.O., a not-for-profit organization, promotes the growth and use of sustainable palm oil products global standards and engagement of stakeholders. The R.S.P.O. principles and criteria define the practices for sustainable palm oil production covering the legal, economic, environmental and social requirements of producing sustainable palm oil.