Initiative supports sustainability

RSPO has launched ‘RSPO Next’ as a voluntary add on to its existing Principles & Criteria (P&C) for sustainably grown palm oil. This defines advanced criteria for palm oil production in order to further the fight against deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions from palm oil production as well as strengthening human rights commitments.

It’s a voluntary initiative for RSPO members with company wide policies that exceed current RSPO P&C requirements in these and other key areas. To be eligible, growers must demonstrate that at least 60% of their plantations are already compliant with the core RSPO P&C, and must commit to the implementation of RSPO Next policies across all of their plantations. These policies must include no deforestation, no planting on peatland, no fire, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, respect for smallholders’ and workers’ rights, the use of paraquat and enhanced transparency and traceability.

Datuk Darrel Webber, CEO at RSPO, says, “By creating RSPO NEXT we respond to a request from some of our members to provide continuous improvements within the RSPO framework for those ready and able to go further on their sustainability commitments. This is an important milestone and can become a new industry benchmark for others who are working hard towards our common goal of 100% certified sustainable palm oil.”