Food businesses have been urged to accelerate action on sourcing sustainable palm oil after a new assessment found companies are failing to halt the destruction of crucial forests and natural ecosystems.
WWF’s latest palm oil buyers scorecard found pockets of good progress among businesses with 23 companies globally achieving the highest ranking, up from 14 in 2021.
Of those businesses headquartered in the UK & Ireland, Waitrose-owner John Lewis Partnership, Co-op, Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury’s were among the businesses to be considered ‘leading the way’ while Greggs and Compass were among those ranked in the second tier as ‘well on the path’.
Companies can score points for actions to ensure their own palm oil supply chain is sustainable and free of deforestation, natural ecosystem conversion and human rights abuse. Additional points are awarded based on companies’ contribution to industry-wide transformation by promoting sustainable palm oil beyond their direct supply chain.
WWF found that that although many palm oil buyers are making strides in the right direction there is an urgent need to increase action on all fronts. While 91% of respondents have committed to sourcing 100% RSPO-certified palm oil only 59% of respondents are doing so.
Around 50% of products on our shelves – ranging from food to cosmetics – contain palm oil and palm oil use is expected to quadruple by 2050.
WWF highlighted recent data suggesting that oil palm-driven deforestation has begun to slow. Along with business action, governments in major producing countries are taking steps to curb oil palm expansion, particularly in primary forests and peatlands
However, the charity said overall progress in sourcing sustainable palm oil remains slow and is putting further pressure on forests, smallholders’ livelihoods and is a key threat to at least 193 endangered species, including orangutans, elephants, rhinoceroses, and tigers.
“Given the urgency of tackling deforestation and protecting smallholders and local communities, companies must accelerate action across markets and prove they are serious about transforming the palm oil industry so that as consumers we can be confident that the products we buy aren’t driving deforestation,” said Nicola Brennan, WWF’s conversion-free supply chain specialist.
