With this action, the French firm says it is supporting a proactive approach designed to resolving issues in line with the RSPO code of conduct, in order to ensure that the world’s palm oil is produced within a legal, economically viable, environmentally appropriate and socially beneficial manner.
Certificate trading program
In 2010, Gattefossé became a member of RSPO (Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil), to support conscientious and responsible palm oil producers and cooperatives.
RSPO has endorsed a certificate trading program called GreenPalm, providing incentives to the palm tree growers to engage into sustainable farming practices.
The certificates are bought by the users of palm/palm kernel oil for each tonne of oil used; and the proceeds of the sale are allocated to those farmers adopting such sustainable growing practices, on a per tonne basis.
As a user of palm oil and palm kernel oil derivatives, Gattefossé states it is sensitive to the environmental impact of palm tree growing. This has led the company to participate in the development of sustainable cultivation.
A new trademark
Earlier this month, producers of cosmetic and personal care products were given the ability to clearly show their commitment to sustainable palm oil through the use of a new trademark released by The RSPO.
Palm oil, palm kernel oil and their derivatives are present in about 70 per cent of cosmetic and personal care products and with global demand fuelling unsustainable growth of the palm industry over the past decade, the RSPO, which is a multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to promote the growth and use of sustainable palm oil, hopes this new phase will transform the market.
“This is a milestone moment in the history of the RSPO and the palm oil industry at large. The trademark will soon make it possible for consumers to make a well-informed choice for products containing sustainable palm oil,” said RSPO Secretary General Darrel Webber, at the time.