5th European Members’ Meet-Up in Hamburg: Top Insights

Over 50 industry players gathered in Hamburg for RSPO’s 5th European Members’ Meet-up to align on the future of sustainable palm oil amid evolving EU regulations. The annual event spotlighted Germany’s pivotal role in the sustainable palm oil market, RSPO Standards and grievance process updates, and the growing importance of clear market communications in a shifting regulatory landscape.

In January 2026, RSPO hosted its 5th European Members’ Meet-up in Hamburg, Germany, bringing together more than 50 industry players – primarily from Germany – in the sustainable palm oil supply chain. This significant annual event continues to serve as a platform for members to align on the future of sustainable palm oil amidst a rapidly changing regulatory environment.

Germany’s key role in driving sustainable palm oil

The decision to hold the 2026 Members Meet-up in Germany reflects the country’s commitment to sustainable sourcing. Currently, Germany has the highest RSPO membership in Europe and second globally, with over 480 members. This strong presence underscores the German market’s role as a downstream market in driving and demanding responsible practices within the global supply chain.

The event also highlighted broader regional growth, with Europe contributing 31% of the overall increase in RSPO membership. In 2025, membership grew by 239 to 2,918 – up from a growth of 204 in 2024. Steady expansion is noted in Central and Eastern Europe. 

To support this growth, RSPO remains focused on strengthening partnerships through national initiatives, which provide localised enhanced support for members. Prior to the Members’ Meetup, RSPO and Germany’s Forum for Sustainable Palm Oil (FONAP) had announced their reciprocal membership. This national initiative, as well as the Italian Union for Sustainable Palm Oil and the Dutch Alliance for Sustainable Palm Oil (DASPO) were also in attendance.

Strengthening Standards and accountability

Currently, RSPO is currently revising the Supply Chain Certification (SCC) Standard. Members in attendance received updates on the process, which aims to ensure that the SCC standard remains rigorous, relevant and practically implementable for the industry for the next five years. The briefing outlined the review’s timeline and expected endorsement, while highlighting proposed changes that the Task Force established this review would oversee.

This was followed by a deep dive into the RSPO Complaints Mechanism. In a live Q&A session, members gained a deeper understanding of the RSPO Grievance mechanism’s accessibility and core principles. This dialogue also reinforced that a transparent grievance process is not merely a formality but a credible channel to address violations of RSPO’s standards, procedures and codes.

Francesca Morgante, RSPO Head of Global Key Accounts and Market Transformation Europe, stated, “If improvements can be made when parties have critical issues to resolve, imagine what more can be achieved on a daily basis with your partners, whether they are suppliers or customers,” reflecting on the role of dialogue and collaboration in remediating grievances.

EU Regulations and Market Communication

A panel discussion moderated by Ruben Brunsveld, RSPO Deputy Director (EMEA) sparked insightful discussion from members, including  Sascha Tischer (Vice Chair of the Board at FONAP), Jutta Stutte (Global Sustainability Manager at BASF), Ilka Petersen (Senior Advisor at WWF), and Annika Haus (Sustainability Manager, Ferrero), aiming to examine what Europe’s regulatory shift means for sustainable palm oil. 

The European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) was recognised for its ambitious impacts across the entire palm oil value chain, from production and smallholder inclusion to end manufacturing and retail. Panellists voiced the uncertainty and caution experienced in the industry: despite companies making diligent preparations, expectations are tempered by shifting timelines and realities. 

It was also noted how legislation, such as the Empowering Consumers Directive, can amplify the role of credible certification schemes. Against this backdrop, RSPO is assessing how the RSPO Label and its rules on market claims can complement the directive and be a relevant resource for members to communicate their sustainability efforts to the end consumer.

Succeeding sessions reinforced the importance of market communication, including the use of the RSPO Trademark. Currently, Germany has the highest number of trademark licences (currently 210) in Europe. 

A final presentation was given on the importance of positive storytelling and joint communication with stakeholders to spread awareness on sustainable palm oil, which will also translate to increased consumer awareness.

“Putting sustainable palm oil at the heart of your engagements along the supply chain can unlock valuable opportunities and drive meaningful impact,” highlighted Morgante to close the successful annual members’ meeting.