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Achieving Indonesian palm oil farm-to-table traceability through ISPO-RSPO harmonization
This paper highlights the overlap between private sector and the state in regulating the sustainability of palm oil industry in Indonesia through the presence of two different certification schemes: the voluntary, global market-driven Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and the mandatory, state-driven Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO). Increasing demand from global consumers for proof of sustainability in the industry requires comprehensive supply chain traceability. Since product tracing in each certification scheme covers different phases of the long palm oil supply chains, there is an opportunity to improve traceability and cover the entire supply chain by harmonizing the certifications to better accommodate both Indonesian regulations and the global norms that regulate palm oil sustainability. Comprehensive traceability would benefit all industry stakeholders (government, companies, smallholders, and NGOs) in ensuring the sustainability of Indonesian palm oil products in the global market.
Complexities of sustainable palm oil production by smallholders in sub-Saharan Africa
The objective of this study was to understand the challenges and complexities of sustainable palm oil production by smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. The study provided a snapshot of the characteristics and practices of farms in Africa, namely Cameroon. Based on the results, smallholders face several challenges including weak land tenure rights, the use of poor-quality seeds and low-yielding oil palms, and a lack of skills, expertise, and access to financing. Certification could help alleviate some of the challenges by providing access to financing, training to improve yields, access to better seedlings, and increased access to higher value markets. However, the certification cost is very high compared to the income from oil palm cultivation for most farmers. Farmers will therefore need considerable assistance from organizations and brokers to remain financially viable.
Public engagement promotes consumer choice in favour of sustainable palm oil
Conducted in the Rainforest Biome of the world renowned Eden Project in the United Kingdom, this study explores public awareness of palm oil and understand the factors influencing sustainable consumer choice using a mixed-methods survey.
Palm oil and the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) label: Are Swiss consumers aware and concerned?
Through an online survey, this study explores Swiss consumers’ associations with, perceptions and awareness of palm oil and the RSPO label.
Industry-driven mitigation measures can reduce GHG emissions of palm oil
Published in 2022 in the Journal of Cleaner Production, this article performs a detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of 1 kg of palm oil for two case studies: PT SMART’s Hanau and Sungai Rungau facilities in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The objective is to quantify the reduction in GHG emissions and nature occupation that has been achieved by implementing industry-driven measures.
Implications of zero-deforestation palm oil for tropical grassy and dry forest biodiversity
This article examines locations suitable for zero-deforestation expansion of commercial oil palm, which is increasingly expanding outside the tropical rainforest biome, by generating empirical models of global suitability for rainfed and irrigated oil palm.
The role of information in consumer preferences for sustainable certified palm oil products in Germany
Conducted in Germany, this study uses data from a discrete choice experiment to analyze consumers’ preferences and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for sustainability indicators on products that contain palm oil as an ingredient.
Governing sustainability in the Thai palm oil supply chain: the role of private actors
This study evaluates the role of private actors in the governance of the palm oil-supply chain in Thailand by comparing supply-chain actors that are certified with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) standards and non-certified supply-chain actors.
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and transnational hybrid governance in Ecuador’s palm oil industry
The objective of this paper is to investigate and analyze the impact of the local introduction and institutionalization of Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil standards in Ecuador. The paper seeks to answer two main research questions: 1. How does the local introduction and institutionalization of RSPO standards affect national and sub-national environmental governance structures and relations in the context of palm oil production? 2. How do RSPO standards reconfigure traditional notions of power and authority within the palm oil industry?
Global and local sustainable certification systems: Factors influencing RSPO and Thai-GAP adoption by oil palm smallholder farmers in Thailand
Published in the Environment, Development, and Sustainability in 2022, this paper investigates the factors that influence the adoption of RSPO and Thai-GAP certification by oil palm smallholder farmers in Thailand.
