The unsustainable side of palm oil – It’s time for action:
Palm oil is an ingredient found in almost 50% of all packaged supermarket products. Its versatility and affordability make it an essential component of the global food industry, from tempting treats like doughnuts and chocolates to everyday essentials like cooking oil. However, the alarming truth is that palm oil production often comes at the expense of precious habitats and endangered species – such as orangutans.
The profound societal value of preserving orangutans and rainforests:
Preserving orangutans and rainforests holds profound societal benefits extending well beyond their immediate environments. Orangutans enhance forest health by spreading seeds far and wide as they forage for food, bolstering biodiversity [nature.org.]. Meanwhile, rainforests function as a vital global pressure pump, channeling heat and humidity to colder temperate zones and providing essential stability to the world's climate. Rainforests also supply an astonishing 40% of Earth's oxygen, serving as vital "lungs" for the planet. However, the ongoing threat of deforestation has led to the loss of a staggering 420 million hectares since 1990, leaving less than 7% of rainforests intact [earth.org.].
Despite a gradual decrease in deforestation rates, the loss of approximately 10 million hectares annually is a stark reminder of the urgency to safeguard these precious ecosystems. By prioritizing the protection of orangutans and rainforests, we not only nurture diverse life forms but also foster a sustainable coexistence that resonates positively on a global scale.
Critical crossroads for orangutans:
Orangutans risk becoming extinct within this century as their natural habitats are repeatedly destroyed to make way for more and more palm oil production. The rate of deforestation, coupled with the fact that orangutans reproduce only once every seven years, paints an uncertain picture of their future. Without intervention, their future hangs in the balance. It’s time to act.
The complex landscape of palm oil - Balancing sustainability and livelihoods:
An understandable reaction might be to avoid products that contain palm oil, considering the implications of its production. But it's essential to recognize that the issue is complex, and the solution lies in a delicate balance between sustainability and livelihoods.
Contrary to the negative narratives, palm oil plays a pivotal role in the global vegetable oil supply, accounting for 35% of the world's vegetable oil on just 10% of the land allocated to oil crops. Its efficiency is remarkable, yielding six times more oil per hectare than rapeseed and maintaining productivity throughout almost the entire year.
But this efficiency isn't just about production; it's about supporting communities. Palm oil serves as a lifeline for growers and smallholders, offering them a dependable income that has the power to uplift millions of people from poverty. Today, this industry supports countless families, schools, and individuals, contributing to local economies in substantial ways.
Removing palm oil entirely from the food supply chain wouldn't just impact the industry but also severely affect livelihoods. Hundreds of thousands rely on the palm oil industry for their means of living. Removing this source of income would result in a wave of hardship, affecting communities at a fundamental level.
The answer – sustainable palm oil.
RSPO Certification:
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification initiative paves the way for sustainable palm oil production with clarity and purpose. RSPO certification assures consumers that the palm oil used in products is sourced from responsible and sustainable practices.
BSI’s involvement:
As your dedicated certification body, we're committed to being your trusted partner in this transformative journey. BSI's commitment to the cause is not just about certification – it's about driving decisions to support sustainable practices and guiding businesses toward ethical choices that benefit the environment and contribute to long-term growth.
BSI, in collaboration with our conservation partner, Orangutan Land Trust, is taking concrete steps to protect orangutans and their ecosystems. For every RSPO certification we certify, a donation from the fee goes directly to support the conservation of orangutans.
BSI's positive impact - Certifications that count:
With over 30% of sustainable palm certified at the plantation level, BSI's impact is undeniable. Now, our commitment extends beyond the plantation – we offer RSPO supply chain certification, ensuring that the palm oil that arrives at your factory is truly sourced from certified, sustainable origins.
RSPO certification isn't just a stamp of approval; it's a powerful tool that can drive systemic change. When your business chooses certified palm oil, you influence suppliers, manufacturers, and customers to make sustainable choices. You're not just a participant; you're a leader in a movement ensuring Life on Land – UNSDG 15 – remains a reality for generations.
Driving change - Your next steps:
The palm oil industry stands at a crossroads, and our collective decisions today will determine the fate of our environment and its inhabitants. By embracing RSPO certification with BSI, you're standing up for sustainable practices, securing a promising future for endangered species like orangutans, and you're choosing a world where progress and sustainability go hand in hand.
