Shared Responsibility Scorecard: Leading North American Companies Show Top Marks

Prominent companies in North America demonstrate their commitment to the RSPO Shared Responsibility framework with top scores in Shared Responsibility Scorecards.

Sustainability presents a global challenge that goes beyond individual efforts. This is why shared responsibility is  a fundamental principle for ensuring that sustainability initiatives yield lasting and effective results. 

Shared Responsibility is a framework within the sustainable palm oil industry that unites all actors involved in the sustainable palm oil supply chain under a common goal: distributing the commitments for action and fostering collaboration to create enduring solutions by acknowledging the vital role each stakeholder plays.

In this pursuit of consolidating and developing a sustainable and environmentally friendly palm oil industry, 21 of the most prominent companies in Canada and the United States have emerged as organisations leading by example. They have achieved notable scores in the RSPO Shared Responsibility (SR) Scorecard, earning a place among the 144 top performing organisations globally, including 80 from the European region, all of whom have demonstrated outstanding commitment to sustainability.

The following companies have established themselves as the top-scoring North American companies in 2024:

“From partnering on smallholder impact projects, to large-scale smallholder certification efforts, implementing global RSPO sourcing policies in developing markets to reaching 100% uptake – these members are showcasing why they are sustainable palm oil leaders,” said Cameron Plese, RSPO Head of Government Affairs (North America and Europe). “These efforts show that North American members are looking towards creating positive impact beyond their home region.”

Shared Responsibility Scorecard: Tracking progress on sustainability 

The RSPO SR Scorecard is a tool that reflects an organisation’s progress on its journey toward sustainability. Based on the analysis of multiple factors across four thematic areas: Transparency and Legality, Social Standards, Environmental Standards, and Uptake, a score ranging from 0 to 10 is determined, enabling RSPO Member companies to continuously assess their performance and identify areas for improvement.

High scores reflect not only compliance with sustainable practices but also a dedication to fostering positive environmental and social impacts in their operations and supply chains. 

The RSPO Shared Responsibility Scorecard is vital for the sector, as it acts both as an incentive for members to improve their SR performance and as a transparent monitoring system showcasing the sustainability journey of RSPO Members.

Shared Responsibility in the RSPO: A brief history

The concept of Shared Responsibility within the RSPO is not new. Its implementation was formalised following a comprehensive review of the RSPO Principles and Criteria (P&C) in 2013. The Terms of Reference for the Shared Responsibility Task Force (SRTF) were developed in 2018 and approved by the RSPO Board of Governors that same year. The SRTF’s efforts culminated in the creation of the RSPO Shared Responsibility Requirements and its implementation document, which received approval in November 2019.

In May 2020, the Shared Responsibility Working Group (SRWG) was established with the aim of ensuring the practical implementation of these requirements. This ongoing initiative has been crucial in ensuring that the framework aligns with the evolving needs of the industry.  

As the sector evolves, it is essential to acknowledge the significant contributions of sustainable palm oil buyer companies across the globe. By adopting shared responsibility practices, these organisations not only ensure their own success but also pave the way for a more prosperous and future for the global palm oil industry.