The Strategic Edge: Apical Group’s Sustainable and Deforestation-Free Supply Chain Showcased in Southern Africa Edible Oils Forum 2024
Leading global vegetable oil processor, Apical, demonstrated its dedication to sustainable and deforestation-free supply chain during the Southern Africa Edible Oils Forum 2024. The event, hosted at The Oyster Box Hotel on January 25, 2024, highlighted Apical’s role in addressing global challenges and evolving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) requirements.
Peter Lim, Apical’s Commercial Trade Head, commenced the forum by emphasizing that sustainability is at the core of the company’s ethos. Apical’s products, available in South Africa, Madagascar, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, reflect its commitment to responsible business practices.
Chandramohan Dharmapalan Nair, Apical’s Sustainability Director, underscored Apical’s ability to manage its supply chain transparently and traceably, addressing the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) as a recent challenge.
“With sustainability at the core of our business operations, we are well-placed to address key global challenges and meet evolving ESG requirements, most recently the European Union Deforestation Regulation. We are committed to protecting and conserving forests, biodiversity, and social well-being to ensure a sustainable, deforestation-free supply chain aligned with EUDR,” he said.
Sustainable and deforestation-free supply chain
During the forum, Chandramohan outlined Apical’s 5Cs philosophy, which is that all activities must be good for the community, country, climate and customer, and only then will they be good for the company.
Apical’s sustainable and deforestation-free supply chain initiatives rest on unwavering governance, traceability, data verification, technology integration, certification, and collaboration. The Apical Sustainability Implementation (A-SIMPLE) Framework guides these efforts, referencing policies like the Sourcing Policy 2015, Enhanced Sustainability Policy 2023, Human Rights Policy 2023, and Grievance Mechanism for transparent and sustainable practices.
To meet market demand, Apical commits to no deforestation, no peat, and no exploitation (NDPE), boasting 100% traceability to mills and 99.7% traceability to plantations. Third-party audits and measures like Targeted Temperature Management prevent forest fires. Certifications from the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) solidify Apical’s commitment.
Apical 2030 Roadmap
As part of the Apical2030 roadmap, the company aims for 100% NDPE compliance by 2025 through collaboration with stakeholders, including smallholders. This aligns with global ESG standards, driving transformative and sustainable change in the palm oil sector.
The Southern Africa Edible Oils Forum 2024 also discussed market trends, dynamics, and emerging opportunities shaping the region’s edible oil landscape. Mordor Intelligence forecasts the African fats and oil market to grow from $22.41 billion in 2023 to $27.92 billion by 2028, indicating promising prospects for edible oil in Southern Africa.
Apical’s strategic environmental responsibility in Africa aligns with market trends, regulatory landscapes, and investment patterns, fostering community support and driving innovation.
With its Apical2030 commitments, Apical is well-positioned to turn sustainability into a competitive advantage and a catalyst for growth in the dynamic African markets.
