EPOA has released a position paper in which the industry exposes its high and serious ambition to make deforestation-free sustainable palm oil the norm in Europe. To reach this goal EPOA welcomes EU-wide regulatory measures.
Over the past years, EPOA members have made serious efforts to make the palm oil sector more sustainable and have called upon food producers and retailers to increase their uptake of sustainably produced palm oil. In 2018 already 83% of the palm oil imported for food in Europe by European refiners was certified sustainable palm oil. EPOA believes the European Commission should build upon these successful industry initiatives. EU-wide regulatory measures are necessary to create a sustainable deforestation-free palm oil market.
EPOA chair Frans Claassen states: “We can only make sustainable deforestation-free palm oil the norm in Europe if we introduce regulatory measures like f.e. due diligence obligation for companies that place palm oil products on the EU market. These measures should create a level playing field for all vegetable oils and players involved. EPOA is looking forward to being involved in constructive discussions with the European Commission, politicians and stakeholders on how to develop and implement these regulatory measures.
You may find the position paper here.
For the press release click here.