Throughout 2021, Efeca collaborated with IDH and the European Palm Oil Alliance to produce the 2020 Palm Oil Monitoring Report for Europe, providing comprehensive insights into Europe’s efforts towards sourcing sustainable palm oil.
The report, titled ‘State of Play: Role of Europe in Driving Sustainable Palm Oil’, highlights significant findings regarding Europe’s palm oil consumption trends in 2020. Notably, 90% of the palm oil used in Europe that year was RSPO certified, which includes purchases of RSPO credits. This figure indicates a continuation of the steady trend in the use of certified sustainable palm oil in Europe. However, the report also underscores advancements in other crucial areas, such as enhancing transparency and traceability across supply chains and strengthening alternative assurance mechanisms.
The year 2020 marked a pivotal moment with numerous commitments from both public and private sectors towards sustainable sourcing. These commitments are reflected in the report through an evaluation of the anticipated progress in the years ahead. Despite Europe accounting for approximately 11% of global palm oil usage, its influence remains significant due to the impact of its multinational companies and brands. This influence plays a critical role in driving positive changes in palm oil production practices globally.
Moving forward, the report identifies key areas where continued efforts are essential. These include further enhancing the effectiveness of certification schemes, advancing transparency in reporting practices, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices among palm oil producers. By focusing on these areas, Europe can continue to lead by example and encourage broader adoption of sustainable palm oil practices worldwide.
The collaboration between Efeca, IDH, and the European Palm Oil Alliance highlights a shared commitment to promoting sustainable palm oil production and consumption.