Standard Owner Benchmark - ROUNDTABLE ON SUSTAINABLE PALM OIL

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is a non-profit organization founded in 2004. It is a global multi-stakeholder initiative that promotes the production and use of sustainable palm oil. The RSPO brings together stakeholders from various sectors, including palm oil producers, processors, traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, environmental and social NGOs, and financial institutions.

The RSPO's main objective is to promote the growth and use of sustainable palm oil by developing and implementing a set of environmental and social criteria for palm oil production. These criteria aim to minimize the negative impacts of palm oil cultivation on the environment, wildlife, and communities, while promoting responsible and sustainable practices.

The RSPO has established a certification system that allows palm oil producers to undergo an independent assessment of their operations against the RSPO's standards. Certified producers are granted the right to use the RSPO's trademark, which signifies that their palm oil has been produced in accordance with the RSPO's principles and criteria.

In addition to certification, the RSPO works to create awareness and build capacity among its members and stakeholders. They provide training and guidance on sustainable palm oil practices, facilitate dialogues and collaborations, and engage in advocacy and policy development to promote sustainable palm oil production and consumption.

The RSPO is governed by a Board of Governors, which consists of representatives from various stakeholder groups. The organization operates through a series of working groups and committees that focus on different aspects of sustainable palm oil, including standards development, certification, and market engagement.

As a non-profit organization, the RSPO's funding comes from membership fees, certification fees, and donations. It operates on a global scale and works to drive positive change in the palm oil industry by promoting sustainable practices and supporting the adoption of responsible sourcing strategies by businesses and consumers.

In summary, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is a non-profit organization founded in 2004. It is dedicated to promoting the production and use of sustainable palm oil through the development of environmental and social criteria, certification, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement. The RSPO's mission is to transform the palm oil industry towards greater sustainability and responsibility.