Posted on June, 27 2016

Singapore, 27 June 2016  – Today marks the formation of a new Singapore-based alliance between players in the palm oil industry, retailers and manufacturers, to tackle deforestation, haze pollution and ultimately deliver haze­-free products to consumers.

The primary goal of the Singapore Alliance on Sustainable Palm Oil announced today, is to increase the uptake of certified sustainable palm oil by manufacturers and retailers and offer consumers an environmentally-conscious option for the many products which contain palm oil.  

The formation of the Singapore Alliance on Sustainable Palm Oil was prompted by the public outcry over 2015’s prolonged haze pollution that caused suffering in communities and natural areas throughout Southeast Asia. Through the “We Breathe What We Buy” campaign, which reached over 20 million people globally, WWF-­Singapore was able to raise awareness of the link between the slash and burn practices used in the production of palm oil and haze pollution, and enlist public support for a switch to sustainable palm oil.  

“The  alliance  sends  a  clear  signal  to  consumers  about  which  companies  are  committed  to sustainability and which are not”, said Elaine Tan, CEO, WWF­-Singapore. “This is a timely opportunity for NGOs and businesses to work together towards transforming the palm oil industry.”

The founding members of the alliance believe that companies can make an impact in ending transboundary haze in Southeast Asia and are calling for like­-minded organisations to join them. By consciously choosing how their products are produced and marketed, manufacturers and retailers are empowering consumers with knowledge and values to change their purchasing habits and echo this belief.

The  current  founding  members  of  the  Singapore Alliance on Sustainable Palm Oil  include consumer  goods  giant  Unilever, established  Singapore  manufacturer  Ayam  Brand,  food  and  beverage  specialist  Danone,  home furnishing retailer IKEA and Wildlife Reserves Singapore.

Dhaval Buch, Chief Procurement officer for Unilever says, “Together with its partners and peers in the industry, Unilever is committed to achieving zero deforestation with a long-­term goal to source 100 per cent of our palm oil sustainably. Unilever is proud to be part of this alliance to advocate the production, trade  and  usage  of  sustainable  palm  oil.  Companies  are  encouraged  to  make  a commitment and enable change by being a part of this national alliance.”

By joining the alliance, companies with a shared commitment can help to make the use of sustainable palm oil a norm.