UK food and drink companies are buying more certified sustainable palm oil than ever before, according to environmental charity WWF.
WWF’s Palm Oil Buyers’ Scorecard 2011, which measures over 130 major retailers and consumer goods manufacturers by looking at their commitment to sustainable palm oil, says UK companies are making “commendable progress” in increasing their use of palm oil produced with minimal impact on the environment.
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All 25 UK-based companies assessed, including Burton’s Biscuit Co., Kraft Foods-owned Cadbury, Premier Foods plc and retailers including Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco, have made a public commitment to only use certified palm oil by 2015 or earlier.
“It’s never been easier for companies to be responsible about the palm oil they use,” Adam Harrison, senior policy officer for WWF UK, said yesterday (21 November). He highlighted that 10% of global palm oil production is now sustainable. However, he sounded a note of caution on the adoption of sustainable palm oil, despite the commitment of UK companies.
“We only have a few years left to act – all companies, even some of the top performers, need to move faster. Only then can we get rid of irresponsible oil palm plantations and end the unacceptable impacts of the industry on forests, wildlife and communities,” he said.
