Certified sustainable palm oil

Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) is a type of palm oil that has been produced in a manner that meets specific sustainability standards. The certification process is overseen by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), a non-profit organization that was established in 2004 to promote the growth and use of sustainable palm oil products.

History

The concept of CSPO was first introduced in response to concerns about the environmental and social impacts of palm oil production. The RSPO was formed as a collaborative effort between non-governmental organizations (NGOs), palm oil producers, and other stakeholders in the palm oil industry. The goal was to create a set of standards that would ensure palm oil production is sustainable and does not contribute to deforestation or habitat destruction.

Certification Process

The RSPO has established a set of Principles and Criteria (P&C) that palm oil producers must adhere to in order to receive CSPO certification. These principles cover a range of issues, including environmental impact, social responsibility, and economic viability. Producers who wish to become certified must undergo an audit by an independent, RSPO-accredited certification body.

Impact

The introduction of CSPO has had a significant impact on the palm oil industry. It has led to increased awareness of the environmental and social issues associated with palm oil production, and has encouraged many producers to adopt more sustainable practices. However, there are ongoing debates about the effectiveness of the RSPO and the CSPO certification process, with some critics arguing that it does not go far enough in addressing the underlying issues.

See Also

• Palm oil
• Sustainability
• Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil
• Deforestation
• Habitat destruction