BASF makes further progress toward reaching its 2020 Palm Commitment of sourcing 100 percent certified sustainable palm (kernel) oil

BASF today launched the fourth edition of its Palm Progress Report featuring figures for 2019. One of BASF’s key renewable raw materials is palm kernel oil and its primary derivatives which are mainly used to produce ingredients for the cosmetics, detergent and cleaner industries, as well as in human nutrition.

During the past year, the company purchased 140,400 metric tons of certified sustainable palm kernel oil, representing around 83,5 percent of the company’s total volume – a plus of almost 14 percent compared to 2018. With this, the company made further progress reaching its Palm Commitment, first published in 2011 and extended in 2015, procuring all oils only from RSPO-certified sources by 2020. In addition, BASF was able to achieve traceability for 90 percent of its global palm footprint of 382,000 metric tons back to the oil mill level in 2019.

As one of the leading global processors, BASF committed to regularly publish its roadmap for sustainable palm, its collaboration along the value chain and the progress in driving physical transformation in oleo derivatives. The Palm Progress Report features the company’s palm commitment as well as palm sourcing policy and its approach to include smallholder farmers and was first published for the year 2016.

Outlook: NDPE Commitment further strengthened

A No-deforestation, No-peat and No-exploitation (NDPE) policy and its implementation have become a business-critical factor for BASF. BASF recognizes the importance of protecting the world’s forests for the well-being of the environment and society. In June this year, BASF introduced its Forest Protection Policy. The company focuses on raw materials supply chains, own operations, as well as products in the combat against further deforestation. The approach encompasses primary forests and areas of High Conversation Value (HCV), as well as High Carbon Stock (HCS) forests and peatlands.