Sustainability Ambassadors Project, 2020-21

Palm oil and its derivatives are ubiquitously used in (edible and non-edible) consumer goods of daily use. Demand for palm oil in countries like India, Indonesia and China exerts significant pressure on expansion of palm plantations especially in Indonesia and Malaysia. This has historically led to the destruction and conversion of large tracts of rainforests in these and other South East Asian countries. Uptake of sustainably sources palm oil and derivates among CGM or FMCG companies operating in India (both MNCs and Indian companies) has been very poor. This project aims to identify some of the few champions on this issue from among various stakeholder groups in India (CGM, processors, importers, producers, financial institutions, NGOs, research organisations, etc.) to highlight the need for and opportunities from uptake of sustainable palm oil (production and consumption). The current partnership identifies following activities for the project period: • Engagement with Businesses for Commitment and Actions on Sustainable Palm Oil (Sustainability Ambassadors) • Offering learning and sharing opportunities through the 'Sustainable Palm Oil Coalition for India' platform (I-SPOC, www.indiaspoc.org) • Design and delivery of awareness and capacity building on the subject • Sustainable Palm Oil Dialogue engaging relevant stakeholders at the CRB Annual Conference - India and Sustainability Standards