On the Road: Meeting RSPO Members Across the American Midwest

By: Juan Camilo Plazas, as told by Yasmina Neustadtl and Chelsea Wellmer

As part of our work with RSPO, promoting the use and best practices of sustainable palm oil around the world, we’re often delightfully surprised by what our travels reveal. Meeting with our members opens the door to incredible stories, unexpected insights, and a deeper appreciation for the many ways this remarkable crop connects people, industries, and cultures.

Our recent road trip through the American midwest was one of those great experiences. What began as a simple itinerary, quickly transformed into a journey full of discovery, heartfelt conversations, and a renewed sense of purpose in the path toward sustainability.

This is our story traveling the roads of the Midwest USA.

Day 1: Promising Start

The idea began during a team meeting: to host a Member Day in the United States. But with such a vast country, the logistics felt daunting. We realised that creating a more personalized itinerary so we could meet our regional members where they are at, both literally and figuratively, made more sense. Our journey started in Cleveland, near the shores of Lake Erie. One of our first stops was Sherwin-Williams, a well-known name in the world of color. We were curious to learn whether palm oil might be used in any of their products. Despite the cold weather, we received a warm welcome, proof that sustainability conversations can begin in the most unexpected places. Later that day, we visited Lubrizol, a company whose work touches countless areas, from the foam in soaps to the linings in shoes. Their commitment to sustainability across such a diverse range of applications was impressive, showing that responsible sourcing is not limited to the most obvious industries.

Day 2: Sweet Discoveries in Akron-Orrville

We visited The JM Smucker Company in the Akron-Orrville area. A street sign marked “One Strawberry Lane” signalled to us that we were there. Exploring their product range, from peanut butter to Twinkies, revealed the many ways palm oil appears in everyday items. Their strong support for sustainable palm oil practices was clear, and visiting their store, including the chance to create personalized jam labels, made the experience all the more engaging. We were also pleased that they will be joining us on an upcoming visit to certified smallholders in Peru, which will offer valuable firsthand insight into sustainable production on the ground. Later that day, we visited GOJO Industries, the company behind Purell. Palm oil isn’t typically associated with hand sanitizer, so this visit served as a good reminder that sustainable sourcing matters across all supply chains, even those we might not immediately consider. Their team was welcoming and eager to learn more about how sustainability fits into their operations.

this visit served as a good reminder that sustainable sourcing matters across all supply chains, even those we might not immediately consider.

Day 3: Energizing in the Heart of Ohio

We spent the day driving south toward Cincinnati, taking in Ohio’s agricultural landscape, endless fields of corn and soybeans, quite different from the tropical regions where palm oil is grown. Though our planned member visits had to shift, we made the most of the journey, stopping for lunch at an Amish buffet and exploring Grandpa’s Cheese Barn, a store full of local specialties. In Cincinnati, we sampled the city’s famous Skyline Chili and visited Jungle Jim’s, a massive international supermarket, where we tried to spot RSPO Certified products on the shelves and saw a variety of unrefined palm oil from Africa that reminded us of the source of our work.

Day 4: Exploring Sustainability in Cincinnati’s Chemical Industry

We had the chance to visit Pilot Chemical Company, and their commitment to sustainability in the chemical sector was clear from the start. They specialize in ingredients like surfactants, the compounds that make soap lather, and their thoughtful questions showed just how far the sustainability conversation is reaching across industries even if the palm oil quantities are very small.

Day 5: A Zoo’s Sustainable Vision in Indiana

Our final stop took us to the Indianapolis Zoo. For Chelsea, who has a background in zoological work, this was a particularly meaningful visit. The zoo’s commitment to sustainable palm oil and to the broader effort to protect species like orangutans was clear. We held discussions with multiple teams, including procurement, food services, and education staff, all of whom asked insightful, practical questions. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of sustainable sourcing in diverse settings.

Looking back on the trip, we saw a real commitment to sustainability across industries and regions we might not have expected.

Meeting people face-to-face, hearing their stories, and addressing their questions was an invaluable experience, reinforcing that sustainable sourcing continues to be a priority in today’s supply chains.

This journey reaffirmed that our work is about much more than policies and technical standards. It is about people, relationships, and a shared vision for a better future. Behind every product label and sustainability report is someone who cares deeply and is working hard to make a difference.

We left the Midwest with full hearts, new insights, and a stronger commitment to building a more sustainable world.