UK’s Path to 100% Sustainable Palm Oil Sourcing
In October 2012, a coalition of UK trade associations, governmental bodies, and non-governmental organisations committed to achieving 100% sourcing of credibly certified sustainable palm oil by the end of 2015, underpinned by the UK statement on sustainable palm oil. Efeca, as part of CPET (Central Point of Expertise on Timber), has been tasked with producing annual reviews since 2013 to monitor progress towards this ambitious goal. These reports, spanning several years, serve to evaluate the efforts and outcomes of the UK’s palm oil industry in transitioning towards sustainable sourcing practices. These are listed here:
The first report, second report, and third report have provided successive updates on the industry’s journey towards sustainability. They build upon foundational documents such as the 2011 study on mapping and understanding the UK palm oil supply chain and the sustainable production of palm oil: UK statement from October 2012.
The third report, specifically, offers a comprehensive analysis of UK purchases of Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO), highlighting contributions made through the RSPO approved supply chain models in 2014. This detailed breakdown is crucial for understanding the distribution and uptake of sustainable palm oil across different sectors within the UK market.
Looking forward, Efeca is preparing to deliver its fourth and final report for DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) by late 2016. This upcoming report will provide a conclusive assessment of how well signatories have adhered to their commitments throughout 2015. It will reflect on achievements, challenges encountered, and recommendations for sustaining momentum towards full compliance with sustainable sourcing targets.
These efforts are pivotal as they not only monitor progress but also inform future strategies and policies aimed at promoting sustainability within the palm oil sector. By evaluating performance against established benchmarks, Efeca’s reports contribute to enhancing transparency, accountability, and responsible business practices in the UK’s palm oil supply chain.