Delhaize Commits to Responsible Palm Oil

Delhaize Group has updated its 2012 policy outlining the Brussels-based retail conglomerate’s commitment to responsibly sourcing palm oil used in its private-brand products. According to the updated policy, by 2020, all of the palm oil Delhaize sources for its products will be 100 percent traceable and deforestation-free.

“We recognize the impact of deforestation on climate change, habitats and forest communities,” Delhaize said. “Our updated policy includes the commitment to protecting peatlands, High Carbon Stock (HCS) forests and High Conservation Value (HCV) areas, including wildlife habitats. It will also respect the free, prior and informed consent of indigenous and local communities in the development of new plantations.”

Revised with help from global nonprofit organization The Forest Trust (TFT), the policy aligns with Delhaize’s 2020 “Supergood” sustainability strategy and the company’s commitment as a board member of the Consumer Goods Forum to attain zero net deforestation by 2020. Delhaize added that it planned to issue annual reports on its progress.

Collaboration Needed

“We are pleased with our progress to date in increasing the visibility and transparency of palm oil in our private brand products and are happy that, with added knowledge about our supply chain, we can accelerate our commitment to responsibly sourcing 80 percent of our palm oil by 2018,” said Delhaize VP of Sustainability Megan Hellstedt. “Reaching this commitment, however, will take collaborative effort across the palm oil supply chain. We look forward to continued engagement with our suppliers, other retailers, NGOs and palm oil producers in the transformation to responsibly sourced palm oil.”

Additionally, as a member of the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Delhaize is on track with its commitment to have 100 percent of the palm oil used in its private-brand products adhere to the RSPO guidelines by the end of 2015.