06/11/2009 (World Bakers) - United Biscuits (UB) claims to have improved its' environmental stance after sourcing segregated sustainable palm oil.

The biscuit and snack company has announced a deal to purchase segregated sustainable palm oil from New Britain Palm Oil Limited.

It is one of the first food manufacturers to secure a supply of sustainable palm oil that is segregated throughout the supply chain to ensure that the oil used in its products is the oil from the sustainable plantations.

The first delivery of this oil is due in December 2009 and by mid 2010 any UB branded biscuits containing palm will be made with sustainable palm oil.

Dr Simon Roulston, Oils Sourcing Manager for United Biscuits commented: "UB has a clear goal to only use segregated, sustainable palm oil so that we can be sure that the palm oil in our products is the oil from the sustainable plantations. To this end we will have by mid 2010, two thirds of all palm oil and palm oil based ingredients sourced from segregated and sustainable sources with the remainder from un-segregated but still certified sustainable sources. By the end of 2011 we aim to have 100% of our palm oil sourced on a segregated and sustainable basis."

Adam Harrison, Senior Policy Officer covering palm oil at the WWF said: "Palm oil production is one of the main causes of deforestation globally and unsustainable palm oil is a direct threat to species like the orang-utan and the Sumatran tiger, rhino and elephant. Forest loss is also a major contributor to climate change. Sourcing palm oil from RSPO certified sources is the most credible way for companies to ensure that they are not adding to these global problems.

"Certified Sustainable Palm Oil has been available for a year now. Whilst more and more companies are starting to commit to using it, WWF is pleased to see a major manufacturer taking action to meet its targets. We hope that this will encourage many other palm oil users across the world to follow."

Alan Chaytor, Executive Director of NBPOL, said: "New Britain Palm Oil is delighted to have concluded this long term supply agreement to supply segregated, traceable and certified sustainable palm oil to United Biscuits. Having such iconic British brands as UB's made with NBPOL's palm oil is recognition not only of their commitment to using segregated, traceable and certified sustainable palm but also of NBPOL as a credible, trusted supplier."

Since 2005, UB has reduced the amount of palm oil used in its products by over 40 per cent.

UB is a member of the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), which has worked to introduce standards that support sustainable, responsible production of palm oil. As part of the growing partnership between industry and NGOs such as Greenpeace and WWF, UB also supports the call for an immediate moratorium on further conversion of rainforest and peat land areas for palm oil in South East Asia.