Len Sauers, P&G Vice President of Global Sustainability

The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) recently committed to no deforestation in its palm oil supply chain by improving practices with all its suppliers, including small local farmers, to ensure protection of forests.

P&G’s commitment to no deforestation in its palm supply chain is unequivocal. Our aim is to develop effective long-term solutions to the complicated issue of palm oil sustainability. We are committed to driving positive change throughout the entire supply chain, not just for us, but for the industry and for the small farmers who depend on this crop,” said Len Sauers, P&G Vice President of Global Sustainability.

Already, 100% of P&G’s purchased palm oil is certified by Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) standards. However, the new goals go beyond RSPO certification. In practice, the company aims at establishing traceability of palm oil and palm kernel oil to supplier mills by December 31, 2015 and ensuring no deforestation in the palm supply chain to plantations by 2020. P&G also intends to working with suppliers, industry peers, NGOs, academic experts and other stakeholders to promote consistent industry standards and practices for sustainable palm oil sourcing.

These goals go beyond our current commitments. P&G will continue to work with each of our suppliers, and we will invest in and work directly with small local farmers, where much of our supply comes from, to improve their production practices,” added Len Sauers. “This is the most complicated aspect of the palm supply chain, where P&G believes we can make a significant and lasting impact.

L’Oréal had announced a similar decision earlier this year.