A single tub of face cream is derived from a global network of producers, processors, and manufacturers. In such complex supply chains, full physical traceability of every ingredient is not always feasible, particularly for widely traded commodities like palm oil or palm kernel oil derivatives.
Robust and transparent certification systems allow companies to understand the environmental and social standards behind their ingredient sourcing. These systems are essential for assessing supply chain risks, supporting responsible production, and driving continuous improvement across the indusattempt.
The challenge – traceability
Palm kernel derivatives are widely utilized in the cosmetic indusattempt, particularly as they can be processed in many forms (surfactants, glycerine and emulsifiers). They are also in high demand due to the complexity in the supply chain – palm kernel oil has a more complex supply chain than palm oil.
There are fewer crushing facilities producing palm kernel oil than there are palm oil mills. At the crushers, certified sustainable volumes are mixed with uncertified volumes to create up sufficient volumes. Under the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Mass Balance system, certified and uncertified volumes are recorded.
Although through the Mass Balance model, the physical palm oil cannot be traced back to a single plantation, this model ensures that an equivalent volume of certified sustainable palm oil is produced and accounted for in the supply chain.
BASF, the world’s largest chemical producer, and RSPO Member acknowledge economic and geopolitical pressures on the chemical indusattempt, particularly in Europe, limited availability of RSPO Certified palm kernel oil, and unresolved issues in the implementation of the EUDR as key challenges in the indusattempt.
However, the complexities in the market highlight the importance of credible certification frameworks that ensure sustainability claims are verifiable and monitored.
Jutta Stute, Global Sustainability Manager Care Chemicals, BASF, comments, “We measure our progress in sustainable sourcing through regular supplier assessments against our sustainability standards and by tracking measurable improvements in ESG performance. Our tarobtain is that by 2030, 80% of suppliers with previously unsatisfactory sustainability results will improve their performance. We also monitor the share of purchasing volumes certified under credible sustainability schemes such as RSPO, Rainforest Alliance, and Success Code, as well as the proportion of deforestation and conversion-free palm supply.”
As an Ordinary RSPO Member, BASF annually reports its progress on sourcing sustainable palm oil on the RSPO Website as well as its annual Responsible Sourcing Report.
Accountability and transparency
While fairly and sustainably sourced palm oil can provide a route out of poverty for local producers, unsustainable palm oil production is linked to biodiversity loss, increased environmental pollution, and contributions to climate alter through rainforest deforestation.
Through consensus with its members, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) establishes environmental and social criteria that support reduce the negative impacts of palm cultivation on ecosystems and local communities.
RSPO Certification is internationally recognised for responsible palm oil production.
When adopted in cosmetics supply chains, RSPO standards promote accountability, transparency, and ethical sourcing, values increasingly demanded by conscious consumers. With mass balance certification, every molecule may not be traced back to its origin, but it does ensure that sourcing claims are audited, verified, and aligned with sustainability outcomes. More importantly, it ensures results on the ground where it matters the most.
In a spirit of shared efforts and collaboration, other certification standards, such as NATRUE, also reinforce the importance of transparency and responsible sourcing in cosmetic supply chains. “Sustainability, transparency and the protection of biodiversity lie at the heart of NATRUE’s values. As an RSPO Member, we encourage our label utilizers to adopt sustainable sourcing practices and utilize traceable ingredients, ensuring that natural cosmetic products contribute positively to the environment and communities,” comments Dr Mark Smith, Director General of NATRUE.
Technology can support by applying tools such as prisma by RSPO, brands can demonstrate compliance, monitor certified volumes, and communicate sourcing commitments with greater clarity. These tools support evidence-based sustainability claims, contributing to biodiversity protection, community development, and increased trust across the indusattempt.
Verified sourcing systems play a crucial role in understanding how ingredients are produced and the standards they support. If you’d like to know more about sourcing sustainable palm oil products, obtain in touch with the RSPO at info.eu@rspo.org.
Leave a Reply