At Soaper's Choice, we have always strived to be intentional in our sourcing of palm oil and its impact on our environment. Starting in April 2021, both our conventional and organic palm oils were certified sustainable. Our Conventional Palm (item #710) is certified mass balance sustainable by RSPO, and our Organic Palm (item #743) is certified sustainable by the Rainforest Alliance. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of sustainable palm oil, and provide insights into what RSPO and Rainforest Alliance certifications entail and why it is important.

10 Benefits of Sustainable Palm Oil

1. Reduced Deforestation Sustainable palm oil production helps protect vital ecosystems by prohibiting deforestation. This ensures that forests, which are crucial for biodiversity and carbon sequestration, remain intact 
2. Habitat Preservation Sustainable practices aim to preserve the habitats of endangered species, preventing the loss of biodiversity and protecting wildlife 
3. Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions By avoiding deforestation and adopting sustainable farming practices, sustainable palm oil production significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions 
4. Improved Land Use Efficiency Palm oil is one of the most efficient oil crops in terms of yield per hectare. Sustainable practices ensure that this efficiency is maximized without harming the environment 
5. Enhanced Soil Health Sustainable palm oil farming includes practices that maintain and improve soil health, such as crop rotation and organic fertilization 
6. Water Conservation Sustainable palm oil production involves efficient water management practices, reducing water usage and preventing water pollution 
7. Fair Labor Practices Certifications like RSPO and Rainforest Alliance ensure that palm oil production adheres to fair labor practices, protecting workers' rights and improving their livelihoods 
8. Community Development Sustainable palm oil production supports local communities by providing employment opportunities and contributing to local economies 
9. Traceability and Transparency Certified sustainable palm oil can be traced back to its source, ensuring transparency in the supply chain and allowing consumers to make informed choices 
10. Consumer Confidence Products containing sustainable palm oil are increasingly preferred by environmentally conscious consumers, enhancing brand reputation and customer loyalty 

What is RSPO?

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)is a global certification system for sustainable palm oil. RSPO certification assures that members who produce or handle RSPO Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) comply with sustainability requirements. The certification process involves a thorough and continuous verification process through annual audits conducted by accredited third-party certification bodies 

RSPO Certification Standards

• RSPO Principles and Criteria: These set the sustainability requirements that must be met by members.
• RSPO Supply Chain Certification Standard: Ensures that the supply chain of palm oil is sustainable.
• RSPO Independent Smallholder Standard: Supports smallholders in adopting sustainable practices 

Benefits of RSPO Certification

• Protection of workers' rights and enhanced productivity
• Reduction of workplace accidents
• Inclusion of smallholders
• Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
• Better waste management
• Reduced use of pesticides
• Improved compliance with regulatory requirements
• Increased market confidence