An increase in certified palm oil exports to two largest palm oil-consuming Asian countries
Globally, more countries are becoming aware of their responsibility to ensure that the sourcing of palm oil comes from responsible and sustainable sources. The two largest palm oil-consuming Asian countries, India and China are also jumping on the bandwagon as they steadily advance their commitment towards certified sustainable palm oil, according to the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)i.
This observation is reflected in our certified sustainable palm oil exports particularly to India. Apical Group recorded a significant growth for the RSPO certified sustainable palm oil (RSPO CSPO) exports to India in the last two years. RSPO CSPO is certified by the RSPO according to specific criteria to help reduce the negative impacts of palm oil cultivation on the environment and communitiesii.
In 2019, Apical exported 6,500 metric tonnes of RSPO CSPO to India, which includes Palm Fatty Acid Distillate (PFAD) and Crude Palm Oil (CPO). The volume increased sharply by 77% in 2020, hitting 11,500 metric tonnes, delivering CPO and Crude Palm Kernel Oil (CPKO). India’s certified palm oil import is expected to grow further this year.
There was a consistent demand for RSPO CSPO from China last year. We exported an average of 2,000 metric tonnes of certified palm oil to the country every three months.
Building a sustainable, better world for all
Sustainability is core to Apical’s business. In embracing this as a core value, it is evident based on our sustainability programmes and initiatives that go hand-in-hand with the six United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) identified for Apical to focus on.
Among the many programmes are Smallholder Inclusion for better Livelihood & Empowerment programme or SMILE. Launched last year, the programme is a partnership between three leading palm oil companies, KAO Corporation, Apical and Asian Agri. It seeks to empower independent smallholders by improving their knowledge and technical expertise that would support their journey in obtaining the RSPO certification by 2030.
Building a sustainable, better world involves various players within the sector, which led to our pledge of bringing about a positive transformation in our supply chain. This steered to the development of Apical Sustainability Implementation Framework (A-SIMPLE Framework) aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of our policies including Sustainability Policy and Sourcing Policy.
Learn more about our business and policies.
i https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/markets/commodities/demand-for-green-palm-oil-growing-in-india-china/article23084233.ece
ii https://rspo.org/about
