Palm oil is used in a huge number of products. It is a versatile ingredient but this also has a downside; its impact on the environment. Fortunately, there are several initiatives such as RSPO that are trying to contribute to a sustainable palm oil industry.

What is the RSPO seal of approval?

RSPO stands for "Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil" and was established in 2004. The label aims to ensure that in the future only palm oil is processed that is produced sustainably. They also focus on improving oil yields among small-scale farmers. Companies wishing to use the RSPO label must meet several criteria and be certified by the RSPO.

When do you get the RSPO label?

Products receive this label when the product is at least 95% sustainably produced. This means that expansion of plantations must not have a negative impact on tropical rainforests and their biodiversity. In addition, the rights of workers and local communities are respected, and fair and voluntary negotiations take place between companies and local communities when establishing palm oil plantations.

But it is also good to know that the RSPO label is not perfect. Some people feel that the rules are not strict enough or that some companies use the label to give themselves a green image without really changing anything about their way of working.

Despite the criticism, the label remains an important tool in the fight for a more sustainable palm oil industry. It encourages companies to take responsibility for their impact on people and the environment and helps you as a consumer to make conscious choices while shopping.