The adoption of the 2024 Principles and Criteria (P&C) and Independent Smallholder (ISH) Standard by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) marks a pivotal moment in the global movement towards sustainable palm oil production. This decision, formalised at the 21st RSPO General Assembly in Bangkok, Thailand, highlights the organisation’s commitment to evolving its standards in response to modern environmental and social challenges. As the palm oil industry is consistently scrutinised for its environmental repercussions, these refined standards offer clearer, more actionable guidelines for sustainable practices, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
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Since its establishment in 2004, the RSPO has led efforts to promote sustainable palm oil production. The 2024 revisions build on the 2018 P&C and the 2019 ISH Standard, aiming to enhance clarity, auditability, implementability, and market relevance. These updates are not superficial; they are a deliberate response to the intricate global environmental and social issues that have emerged over the years. Central to these improvements is a refined strategy towards deforestation and environmental sustainability. The new framework clarifies the implementation of the Integrated High Conservation Value-High Carbon Stock (HCV-HCS) approach, vital for safeguarding critical ecosystems. Additionally, new indicators for water consumption and withdrawal have been introduced, addressing potential future water scarcity concerns.
A significant enhancement in the 2024 standards is the mandatory human rights due diligence requirement. This obliges companies to identify and mitigate potential human rights impacts within their operations and supply chains. This shift aligns with the global trend towards increased corporate accountability and transparency in human rights practices. Furthermore, the revised standards focus on smallholder inclusion, recognising the essential role smallholders play in the palm oil supply chain. The enhanced ISH Standard aims to facilitate access to certification and new markets for smallholders, providing clearer guidelines and support. By empowering smallholders, the RSPO seeks to enable their full participation in sustainable palm oil production, fostering an inclusive industry.
The 2024 standards are crafted to be more auditable and implementable, streamlining the audit process for members, certification bodies, and accreditation bodies. This is achieved through a more straightforward roadmap that balances environmental conservation, responsible labour practices, and community rights. By making the standards more practical, the RSPO aims to improve compliance and reinforce assurance across the industry. The revision process was a collaborative endeavour, incorporating insights from smallholders, social and environmental NGOs, auditors, and experts from diverse regions. Such an inclusive approach ensures that the standards address the myriad challenges faced by stakeholders in the palm oil industry.
Joseph D’Cruz, RSPO Chief Executive Officer, emphasised the ambitious nature of the new standards, which tackle contemporary issues such as worker protection and deforestation. Ruth Silva, Assurance Director at the HCV Network, highlighted the importance of focusing on growers, simplifying the process for them and auditors to verify compliance. The impact of these standards is already evident; as of 2023, RSPO Certification has protected over 466,600 hectares of valuable forests, including tropical peatlands and riparian reserves. The 2024 standards aim to build on this success, further enhancing the protection and remediation of critical ecosystems.
Looking forward, the RSPO remains dedicated to facilitating global change in palm oil production and consumption. The adoption of the 2024 standards is a crucial step towards realising this vision, offering a robust framework for sustainable practices that balance environmental, social, and economic considerations. By addressing key issues such as deforestation, human rights, and smallholder inclusion, the RSPO is setting a new industry standard. As these standards are implemented, they promise to drive meaningful change, ensuring that palm oil production contributes positively to global sustainability objectives. Through these comprehensive and forward-thinking standards, the RSPO is poised to lead the way in sustainable palm oil production, fostering an industry that respects both the environment and the communities it impacts.
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