2016/17
Transforming the palm oil industry: Barry Callebaut joins the Palm Oil Innovation Group
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Under its sustainability strategy Forever Chocolate, Barry Callebaut has committed to have 100% of the ingredients in its products coming from sustainable sources as well as zero deforestation in its supply chain. Sustainable palm oil plays an important role in fulfilling both of these objectives.
But we wanted to be an even stronger driver of the transformation of the palm oil industry. This is why we have joined the front running members of the Palm Oil Innovation Group (POIG). POIG is a is a multi-stakeholder initiative consisting of NGOs as well as progressive palm oil producers and buyers that strive to achieve the adoption of responsible palm oil production practices and creating and promoting innovations in the sector. Building on the work of RSPO, POIG has introduced additional sustainability criteria on palm oil production, such as no development of palm oil plantations on High Conservation Stock (HCS) areas or peat land and strict criteria against gross labor and human rights violations.
As a buyer we recognize our responsibility to contribute to a sustainable palm oil sector. By joining POIG we commit to the highest standard and can drive implementation of sustainability criteria in the sector without compromise.
Massimo Selmo, Head of Global Sourcing at Barry Callebaut
