Palm oil is used extensively in food and toiletries, but its production has had a devastating effect on South Asian rainforests, clearing habitats for endangered species like tigers and orangutans, while also adding to carbon emissions.
IOI, which operates its specialty fats business under Loders Croklaan, is co-founder of the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), which was set up with the aim of ensuring the oil’s sustainable production and use, and several of its Malaysian palm oil estates are certified under the scheme.
“Considering how prevalent palm oil is in our everyday lives, its sustainable production is critical to meet rising demand and to protect the environment in which it’s grown,” said David McLaughlin, managing director and vice president, Agriculture, at the World Wildlife Fund. “…We encourage all users of palm oil to commit to using only certified sources, and join the movement to support the sustainable production of this commodity.”
IOI-Loders Croklaan is one of several palm oil suppliers that is now able to supply segregated certified sustainable palm oil, thanks to the commissioning of a dedicated refinery. Others are New Britain Palm Oil, which announced last year that its Liverpool refinery is fully up and running; and Spain’s Lipsa, which receives shipments from New Britain.
IOI-Loders Croklaan says it became the first to offer RSPO-certified segregated palm oil in continental Europe on a large scale last April, and intends to bring its North American shipment to market in April this year.
Director of sales and marketing at Loders Croklaan Tim Surin said: “We see our decision to lead the market in offering certified palm oil as a natural fit with our position as a leader in innovation, both in product development as well as supply chain management.”