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How to re-build confidence in the audit system of certification schemes
This report summarises why social audits fail to uphold certification standards and offers possible solutions to re-build confidence in the audit system. It provides examples to demonstrate the systemic malpractice and lack of redress present in a wide range of certification schemes and highlight the current flaws in the social audit process.
What are the major barriers and challenges faced by independent oil palm smallholder farmers in RSPO Certification?
This paper by the Universitas Tunas Pembangunan Surakarta focuses on identifying the main barriers and challenges for independent oil palm smallholders in the RSPO certification journey and identifying strategies that could help smallholders overcome these obstacles and improve their success in the RSPO certification process.
Early mover advantage in Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Certification: Evidence from ASEAN countries study
A recent study explores whether early adoption of RSPO certification offers a competitive financial edge to palm oil companies in ASEAN. The research analysed data from 27 publicly listed companies across the region, examining profitability through Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) over a decade (2003 to 2013, excluding 2008). The study employed multiple linear regression analysis to uncover insights into the impact of early RSPO certification on financial performance.
Cost reduction for upscaling voluntary sustainability standards: the case of independent oil palm smallholders in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
The article explores strategies to reduce costs for scaling up RSPO certification for independent oil palm smallholders in Central Kalimantan, using an action research approach of certifying 3,507 independent oil palm smallholders of six farmers groups in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Oil palm development in Thailand: Trends and progress of sustainability efforts in palm oil production and procurement
In 2023, the RSPO commissioned a study in Thailand to examine the multifaceted dimensions of Thailand’s palm oil sector. This study evaluated the environmental, economic and social impacts of the industry and provided insights for the RSPO regarding the impacts of RSPO Certification, particularly within Thailand’s smallholder-dominated landscape.
Tangible financial benefits of palm oil plantations with and without Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil Certification in Thailand
A recent study published in the TEM Journal sheds light on the tangible financial benefits of RSPO certification for palm oil plantations in Thailand. The research focuses on collecting data on RSPO certified and non-certified growers from Krabi and Surat Thani during the period of December 2016 to November 2017. The selected growers were from 3 groups: those with large planting areas, cooperative members, and smallholders supported by palm oil mills. Study results reveal that RSPO-certified groups recorded higher net returns than their non-certified counterparts.
Sustainability concept’s interpretation affecting native farmers’ participation on JCSPO initiative and governance in Sabah, Malaysia
This study investigates how the contradiction of sustainability concept’s interpretation between the policy makers and Sabahan native farmers impacts on the slow participation in the Jurisdictional Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (JCSPO) initiative.
Measuring the implication of RSPO Certification: Lessons learned from independent palm oil smallholders in Riau Province, Indonesia
In 2023, WWF released a book documenting the benefits and impacts of RSPO Certification on independent smallholders. The book provides valuable insights gained from the facilitating process with independent smallholders, focusing on the experiences of facilitating the Amanah and Mandiri Independent Palm Oil Smallholders Associations.
Greenhouse gas emissions along the value chain in palm oil producing systems: A case study of Cameroon
A study quantified the GHG emissions along the CPO life cycle using six non-certified palm oil mills in Cameroon. They found that the average GHG emissions per ton of crude palm oil produced were exceptionally high at 22.3 tCO2e compared to other palm oil producing regions in the world such as Indonesia with only 1.6 tCO2e/ton of CPO. Emissions sources from palm oil mills in decreasing order of magnitude are land conversion (78%), palm oil mill effluent or POME (21%), fertilizer use (0.9%), mill fuel combustion (0.1%) and grid electricity utilization (0.04%). While the palm oil sector in Africa is experiencing significant growth, only four producers on the entire continent have achieved RSPO certification. This provides RSPO with an opportunity to further engage with the African palm oil industry and contribute positively to emission reduction efforts within the region.
Sustainability practices and financial profitability: The case of the world’s top 20 crude palm oil producers
A recent study by University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) found that CPO producers with RSPO certification bore 5% losses compared to non-certified producers. This was mainly due to the high costs complying with RSPO and the lukewarm sales from the consumers. Despite the negative findings, the researchers emphasized that certification plays an important role in protecting nature and environment; value added to social living and improved corporate reputation.
