Sustainability

Sustainable Markets

Development of overseas markets

In the early 2000s, palm oil became strongly associated with deforestation, threats to species, environmental damage and severe social consequences. In response, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) was formed in 2004.

The objective is to promote growth and use of sustainable oil palm products through a credible global standard, with engagement of stakeholders from all sectors of the palm oil industry:

Producers & processors
Traders
Consumer goods manufacturers
Retailers
Banks & investors
Environmental conservation NGOs
Social or developmental NGOs

The aim was to develop and implement a global standard for sustainable palm oil.

This multi-stakeholder approach developed Principles and Criteria (with supporting indicators) that industry players could adhere to.

Principle is the fundamental statement about the desired outcome. Criteria implement the principle—the means of judging whether the principle has been fulfilled.

Univanich Palm Oil PCL, with its embedded sustainable and inclusive culture, became an early member of the RSPO. The RSPO has provided Univanich with a globally recognised and certifiable framework.

As a certified member of RSPO since 2013, Univanich engages in an annual audit and verification of the production process against the stringent RSPO Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production by accredited certifying bodies.

RSPO principles and criteria — topics and objectives

Prosperity

Criteria topic

Information and public availability
Communication and consultation
Commitment to ethical conduct
Legal compliance
Third party contractors legal
Third party FFB legally sourced
Long term plan and economic viability
Continuous improvement and reporting
Standard operating procedures
SEIA and plans
System for managing human resources
Occupational health and safety plan
Training

Objective

A sustainable, competitive and resilient palm oil sector ensures long-term viability of the entire supply chain and shared benefits for both the private sector and the livelihoods of communities where oil palm is grown. Effective planning and management systems address economic viability, environmental and social compliance and risk, establish procedures and systems for ensuring conformance to the RSPO P&C, and support continuous improvement towards sustainable palm oil.

People

Criteria topic

Human rights
Complaints and grievances
Contribution to local sustainable development
Land use and free, prior, informed consent (FPIC)
Land use: compensation
Land use: conflict
Improved smallholder livelihoods
Pay and working conditions
No discrimination
Freedom of association
No child labour
No harassment
No forced or trafficked labour
Safe working environment

Objective

Human rights are protected, respected and remedied. The palm sector contributes to reducing poverty, and palm oil production is a source of sustainable livelihoods. People participate in processes that affect them with shared access and benefits. Everyone engaged in palm oil production has equal opportunities to fulfil their potential in work and community with dignity and equality, in a healthy working and living environment.

Planet

Criteria topic

Effective integrated pest management
Pesticide usage
Waste management
Soil health and fertility
Soil conservation (erosion and degradation)
Soil surveys and topographic information
Peat
Water quality and quantity
Energy use
Pollution and GHGs
Fire
HCV and HCS

Objective

Conserved, protected and enhanced ecosystems for the next generation. Ecosystems and their services are protected, restored and resilient, including through sustainable management of natural resources. Climate change is addressed through continuous GHG reduction; air and water pollution are controlled.

Univanich uses the RSPO Principles and Criteria as the foundation and guidance for its environment, social and governance (ESG) platform, demonstrating benchmarks and continuous improvement through monitoring of key performance indicators with targets—highlighting sustainable and responsible growth and mitigating enterprise risk.

By supporting and adhering to the RSPO Principles and Criteria, we are confident in marketing our certified sustainable palm oil in both domestic and international markets.

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Univanich Palm Oil PCL has been a pioneer of the oil palm industry in Thailand since the company's first plantations were established back in 1969. Today, Univanich is Thailand's leading producer of crude palm oils and high quality oil palm seeds.