Taking place in Berlin next Tuesday, September 3, the summit will bring together stakeholders across the European palm oil supply chain, from producers, to regulators, to end users.
The European Union imported nearly six million tonnes of palm oil last year, for use in food as well as other non-food sectors, and palm oil is the second most commonly used vegetable oil in Europe, after rapeseed oil.
However, the use of palm oil has continued to raise concerns about illegal deforestation for the expansion of palm oil plantations in Southeast Asia, and destruction of habitats – issues that the RSPO has aimed to tackle through its certification programme.
“Our vision is a European market committed to source 100% certified sustainable palm oil,” says RSPO secretary general Darrell Webber.
Sessions will focus specifically on the European palm oil market, including the impact of upcoming Food Information for Consumers regulation, which is set to require food companies to list the type of vegetable oil used in their products on ingredients lists.
In addition, presenters will discuss the role of consumers in the uptake of sustainable palm oil, and the role of voluntary industry initiatives and national initiatives to promote sustainability in the sector.
The summit also aims to address the challenges faced by palm oil producers in becoming certified under the scheme.
In the afternoon, a panel discussion moderated by FoodNavigator editor Caroline Scott-Thomas will explore how the RSPO can improve the credibility of certified sustainable palm oil.
Click here to learn more, and for instructions on how to register.