Palm | Kelapa Sawit

You’ve probably seen it mentioned in previous posts, but I’m sure you’re wondering just what exactly this initiative is. 

GreenPalm was an idea developed by AarhusKarlshamn UK Ltd (AAK) and it became incorporated in November, 2006. The program aims for the following (from the official website): to promote certified sustainable palm oil, to prevent the destruction of the rainforests, and to support the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). 

In order to accomplish this, GreenPalm bypasses the physical supply chain of palm oil completely, which would otherwise result in purchasers of palm oil unable to identify where their product comes from. This process is possible, though it incurs additional costs.  

Here’s how it works: 

                “RSPO certified palm oil producers are invited to register a quantity of their output with the GreenPalm programme. They are awarded one GreenPalm certificate for each tonne of palm oil which has been sustainably produced. They can then put those certificates up for sale here on the GreenPalm web based trading platform.” (greenpalm.org)

Manufactures and retailers are then given the ability to bid for and buy the GreenPalm certificates online. This process allows businesses to claim that they are supporters of the sustainable production of palm oil.

So now, as a consumer, whenever you see the GreenPalm logo on a product, you have the knowledge that it was manufactured in more environmentally friendly means, especially since GreenPalm offers a financial premium to producers who are able to prove they are responsible—both environmentally and socially.

Even though this may sound like a great solution to many of the problems produced by the production of palm oil, GreenPalm is still an ongoing mission which needs your help! Some of the ways you can make a difference are simple, such as buying products with the GreenPalm logo or Tweeting your support of the GreenPalm program. A few seconds of your time could change the lives of many people, and help save the rainforests endangered by palm oil production! 

For more information, please visit:  http://www.greenpalm.org