Unilever:
One of the most significant companies that have committed to eliminating palm oil is Unilever. In 2018, the announced that it had cut out all palm oil producers that were destroying rainforests, peatlands, or committing social abuses. Additionally, Unilever introduced a new tracking system that allows it to trace palm oil back to the plantation, thus ensuring that it’s sustainably sourced. Currently, Unilever is working to achieve zero net deforestation by 2023, which involves involving all its suppliers and partners of palm oil, including smallholders, to produce palm oil without deforestation.
Nestlé:
Nestlé is another major corporation that has committed to sustainable palm oil sourcing. In 2018, Nestlé pledged to combat deforestation by leveraging technology to monitor its suppliers, ensuring that the palm oil it uses is deforestation-free and traceable through its supply chain. Also, the company has partnered with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to help small farmers produce sustainable palm oil independently. Nestlé aims to responsibly source 100% of its palm oil by 2023.
Ferrero:
Ferrero, the Italian chocolatier, has been creating sustainable practices for a long time. In 2015, it launched the Ferrero Palm Oil Charter, which committed the company to source 100% of its palm oil from RSPO-certified sustainable sources by the end of 2020. In 2018, Ferrero announced that it had achieved this goal, sourcing all of its palm oil from sustainable sources.
Kellogg’s:
Kellogg’s, the famous cereal brand, has been working towards reducing its reliance on palm oil, which is previously used in their products, such as Pop-Tarts and Nutri-Grain bars. In 2018, Kellogg’s made a commitment to responsibly source its palm oil by the year 2020, which means that the palm oil used in its products must be produced without causing deforestation, the destruction of high conservation value areas or peatland development.
Danone:
Danone, the yogurt and dairy company, has implemented its own zero-deforestation policy when it comes to palm oil, which includes no deforestation, no new peat, and no exploitation of human rights. Danone wants to achieve 100% traceable and responsibly sourced palm oil by 2025.
Conclusion:
The abandonment of non-sustainable palm oil by the above companies is a positive and welcomed progress. However, there are still many companies globally that continue to use palm oil that does not meet the required standards. It is crucial for all brands to look into their palm oil supply chains and ensure that only responsible and sustainable sources of palm oil are used. It’s a win-win for companies to identify and promote ethical and sustainable palm oil and the earth.