Fully-Traceable: Palm Done Right’s Transparent Supply Chains

Published on: September 12, 2024

Palm Done Right is excited to celebrate Palm Done Right month, which recognizes and spreads awareness about the importance of organic, sustainable palm oil. We’ve crafted our movement around the mission of promoting responsible and ethical palm oil production, and at the core of our mission are our five promises to our partners, suppliers, consumers, and more.  

These promises, which include our dedication to 100% organic, fully traceable, deforestation-free, wildlife-friendly, and fair & social palm oil, guide us to affect change in the industry. One of these promises, our commitment to fully traceable supply chains, is key to letting suppliers and consumers know where the palm oil they use comes from and what practices are used during its harvesting and production. 

What Does “Fully Traceable” Mean?

Full traceability means we can trace our palm oil from the moment it’s harvested by our independent farmers to when it reaches our partners for use in their products or consumers. This level of transparency allows us to: 

• Verify sustainable practices at every stage of production 
• Ensure compliance with our strict environmental and social standards 
• Quickly address any issues that may arise in our supply chain
  

Why is Traceability Important?

It’s no secret that some palm oil production harms the environment and contributes to deforestation, wildlife displacement, habitat destruction, the exploitation of workers, and harm to local communities. This conventionally-produced palm oil, also known as “conflict” palm oil, has come under fire for its harmful practices and calls for changes in the industry to stop harm to the environment and local farmers.  

These harmful practices are the reason for our fully traceable supply chains and alternative, sustainable approach to palm oil production. Having a transparent, fully traceable product from start to finish is a small but very important part of this.  

Traceability is vital for several reasons: 

• Guaranteeing Sustainability: It allows us to ensure that our palm oil is truly deforestation-free and produced using organic methods. 
• Preventing Exploitation: We verify that fair labor practices are being followed throughout our supply chain. We work with independent farmers who are paid fairly for their work and crops and invest in community development projects supporting education, healthcare, and cultural activities. 
• Building Trust: Transparency builds confidence among our partners and consumers, showing that we’re truly committed to our mission and making a difference in the palm oil industry. 
• Enabling Continuous Improvement: By tracking every step, we can identify areas for improvement in our processes.
  

Traceability vs. Conflict Palm Oil Production

As we mentioned, conflict palm oil production practices are behind the deforestation, worker exploitation, and wildlife displacement commonly associated with palm oil. However, the future of palm oil can be bright with industry shifts to alternative, sustainable methods of production that prioritize the environment, workers’ rights, and long-term sustainability.  

• Direct Sourcing: We work directly with small, independent farmers, eliminating the risk of mixing our yields with palm oil from unknown or unsustainable sources. 
• Quality Control: We ensure consistent quality and sustainability practices throughout the production process. 
• Fair Compensation: By eliminating middlemen, we can ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their produce. 
• Rapid Response: If issues arise, we can quickly identify the source and take corrective action. 
• Internal & Third-Party Audits: Palm Done Right conducts regular internal and third-party audits to ensure compliance with our standards.
  

The Impact of Fully Traceable Supply Chains

Our commitment to traceability has far-reaching effects: 

• Environmental Protection: We can verify that our no-deforestation policy is being upheld. This allows us to directly contribute to reforestation and upholding of biodiversity and ecosystems. 
• Social Responsibility: We ensure fair treatment of workers and support for local communities. This includes investing in community development projects that support local healthcare initiatives, education, and more. 
• Consumer Confidence: Thanks to our fully transparent supply chains and direct involvement with our farmers, users of our palm oil can be confident about its sustainable and ethical origins. 
• Industry Leadership: We’re setting a new standard for transparency in the palm oil industry and seek to affect change in palm oil production across the industry. Our initiative is designed to improve palm oil production for the long term and stop harmful practices.  

The Importance of Fully Traceable Supply Chains

Knowing where ingredients are sourced is the only way to ensure clean products. 

Traceability is vital to safeguard deforestation and exploitation-free ingredients. Our integrated supply chain offers full transparency about how our palm oil is produced. We know who our farmers are. Through internal and third-party audits, we ensure their full compliance with our standards and policies. 

Having fully traceable supply chains means more than knowing where your products come from; it’s a safeguard against poor worker treatment and habitat destruction.  

The Palm Done Right Promise

This Palm Done Right month, we’re celebrating our partners, consumers, suppliers, and others who prioritize sustainable, fully traceable palm oil production. Full traceability across all supply chains is just one of the five promises at the core of our mission, but it is an integral aspect of how we’re able to make palm oil a fully sustainable product.  

Our palm oil is RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) IP certified, an additional testament to our complete dedication to ensuring our supply chain remains fully-traceable. 

Palm oil is used in an average of half of a regular person’s groceries and is here to stay. With sustainable, traceable practices, we can make sure it continues to fuel the world for the long-term without harming the environment in the process.  

We invite you to get involved and join us in our initiative to change the palm oil industry for the better while preserving the environment and empowering small farmers. Learn more about what you can do to join the movement today.