The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) holds its annual global roundtable conference (RT2024) in Thailand from November 11 to 13. Themed “Partners for the Next 20: Innovating for Impact,” the event brought together key stakeholders to discuss the future of sustainable palm oil.

A significant outcome of the conference was the signing of the Sustainable Palm Oil Procurement Strategic Agreements between Yili Group and three leading global suppliers, Yihai Kerry, Bunge, and Cargill, witnessed by the China Chamber of Commerce of Import & Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce & Animal By-Products (CFNA), the RSPO, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the China-UK Collaboration on International Forest Investment and Trade (InFIT). Under this agreement, the signatories pledge to promote sustainable palm oil trade and procurement practices aligned with the RSPO certification standard.

Sustainable palm oil refers to palm oil produced in a manner that aims to minimize the negative impacts on the environment and communities. RSPO certified sustainable palm oil has a 35% lower global warming impact and a 20% lower biodiversity impact from land use changes than non-certified palm oil.

As a member of the RSPO, Yili is committed to sourcing sustainable palm oil and encouraging sustainable production practices among its suppliers. This will drive demand for sustainable palm oil in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and other countries and motivate more palm oil producers worldwide to embrace sustainable production methods.

At RT2024, Yili actively engaged with industry associations, experts, scholars, and farmers, positioning itself as a dedicated listener, contributor, and partner, and demonstrating its strong commitment to promoting the sustainable development of the palm oil industry.