Sustainability cultivates benefits for planet and people

What do we mean by “sustainable”?

Palm oil that has been produced according to our strong and rigorous sustainability standards. RSPO Standards bring positive impacts to People, Planet and Prosperity.

People

The workers and communities involved in the production have been treated fairly and respectfully. Good working conditions and ethical business practices are fundamental to sustainable palm oil production.

Planet 

Forests are protected from deforestation, and no harm is done to endangered species, ecosystems and habitats. To protect the climate, new plantations must not be developed on peatlands, and carbon emissions must be reduced.

Prosperity 

Better management and training in good agricultural practices significantly helps increase yields. This gives small-scale farmers and their families sustainable livelihoods, providing them with steady income throughout the year.

The RSPO Standard has 162 environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements that growers have to comply with. These indicators cover:

• Preventing deforestation: Clearing or converting primary forest or ecologically valuable forest areas, such as High Conservation Value (HCV) areas and High Carbon Stock (HCS) forests is not allowed.
• Prohibition on the use of fire: “Slash-and-burn” practices to clear land are not allowed.
• Pesticide usage and management: Use of highly hazardous materials is prohibited. In rare and emergency circumstances (i.e., pest or disease outbreak), exceptions may be applied.
• Peatland protection: New plantations on peat are prohibited. 
• Upholding human rights: The rights and wellbeing of local communities and Indigenous peoples are respected.
• Labour rights:  Workers have access to housing, food, salaries, collective bargaining, etc.
• and many other topics

 Click here to see all of the 162 Indicators in the Principles and Criteria.  

A yearly audit is conducted by an independent organisation (called a Certification Body). An auditor checks that the company complies with the RSPO Standards. Only growers who go through the certification process and pass their yearly audit are allowed to sell fruits  from which certified sustainable palm oil is extracted.