15/01/2018 (ESM - The European Supermarket Magazine) - A number of US retailers, including Ahold Delhaize, Albertsons and Target, have joined with global food manufacturers such as Kellogg and Kraft Heinz to form the North American Sustainable Palm Oil Network (NASPON).

The aim of the group is to educate and assist North American companies in making and delivering on commitments to source sustainable palm oil.

“The formation of NASPON brings together like-minded organisations working collectively to find long-term, industrywide solutions to secure certified sustainable palm oil in their products,” said Darrel Webber, CEO of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil.

"NASPON will bring a much needed dialogue of sustainable palm oil to North America, further amplifying our collective goal to respect human and labor rights, local communities and biodiversity throughout the palm oil supply chain.”

Sustainability Push

According to the group, palm oil plantations produce 65% of the world's traded vegetable oil, which is used as a key ingredient in foods, cosmetics and soaps.

However, it added that demand is expected to double by 2020, increasing the pressure on tropical forests and biodiversity.

"Reducing environmental and social risk in palm oil supply chains is a goal that unites us all," said Hugo Byrnes, vice president of product integrity at Ahold Delhaize, adding that the company's private label products use only certified sustainable palm oil.

Founding members of NASPON include Ahold Delhaize, Albertsons, Barry Callebaut, Blommer Chocolate Company, Bunge, Conservation International, Control Union, Dunkin' Brands, Fuji Oils, Grupo Bimbo, International Flavors & Fragrances, IOI Loders Croklaan, Kellogg Company, Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo, Rainforest Alliance and Target.