SCS Global Services Becomes First North American Certifier Accredited to New RSPO Principles and Criteria Standard for Palm Oil Plantations
EMERYVILLE, Calif., December 5, 2018 /3BL Media/—Following on the heels of the historic 16th Annual Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, SCS Global Services (SCS) has become the first certification body in North America accredited to conduct assessments under the stringent new RSPO Principles & Criteria (P&C) Standard. This accreditation sets the stage for SCS to certify sustainable palm plantations and mills internationally.
Palm oil is the most widely used vegetable oil in food production, found in nearly half of all packaged food items on store shelves. The 2018 P&C Standard, which earned the overwhelming support of international delegates, incorporates important new safeguards for palm oil production aimed at halting deforestation, protecting endangered wildlife and peatlands, strengthening human rights, and protecting workers.
SCS’ accreditation was conducted by Accreditation Services International (ASI), including a review of its audit performed in Guatemala in May 2018 with Nacional Agro Industrial S.A. (NAISA). The audit scope included around 9,000 hectares of agricultural operations as well as the palm oil mill, utilizing the Identity Preserved Supply Chain Model. “We are proud to work towards RSPO certification, as we strive for sustainable development with transparent processes and raw materials produced for food product manufacturers in an environmentally and socially responsible way,” said Romeo Estuardo Gramajo Leal, NAISA Director of Certifications. “SCS conducted a very thorough audit, guided by the RSPO Principles & Criteria. The auditing team was highly objective and professional.”
Matthew Rudolf, SCS’ RSPO Program Manager, said, “SCS looks forward to continuing to build our presence globally, especially in the Latin American, West Africa, and Asian regions. With SCS RSPO auditors strategically located in all three regions, we are dedicated to encouraging palm growers and smallholders to get RSPO certified to demonstrate sustainable palm production across the globe.”
In addition to being accredited to the RSPO P&C Standard, SCS has been an accredited certifier to the RSPO Supply Chain Standard since January 2017. For more information about RSPO certification, visit https://www.scsglobalservices.com/services/rspo or email Matt Rudolf at MRudolf@scsglobalservices.com.
About SCS Global Services
SCS Global Services has been a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for more than three decades. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, power generation, retail, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to many environmental NGOs due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices.
About the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) was formed in 2004 with the objective of promoting the growth and use of sustainable oil palm products through credible global standards and engagement of stakeholders. RSPO is a not-for-profit association that unites stakeholders from the seven sectors of the palm oil industry including oil palm producers, palm oil processors or traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, banks and investors, environmental or nature conservation NGOs, and social or developmental NGOs.
Learn more about RSPO Certification
