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Cartagena de Indias was the venue for the most important event for the palm oil sector in the hemisphere: the 21st International Palm Oil Conference. The gathering brought together more than 2,600 participants from 23 countries, consolidating itself as a key platform for knowledge exchange, showcasing major innovations, and discussing the trends that will shape the future of the industry.

Throughout the Conference, the strategic role of palm oil in the economy and sustainable development of Latin America was highlighted. The event also served as an ideal platform to strengthen alliances among producers, industry associations, companies, and international organizations, with a focus on sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience.

Our CEO, Joseph D’Cruz (JD), traveled from Malaysia to take part in the event with the purpose of holding productive conversations with members and partners from across Latin America, reaffirming RSPO’s strong commitment to the region. During his visit, JD listened firsthand to members’ concerns and expectations, strengthening an open and constructive dialogue. These exchanges are essential for RSPO to continue adapting to local realities and to move forward, together with its members, in overcoming common challenges.

As part of the agenda, RSPO and APSColombia (the national certification body for the palm oil sector in Colombia) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement represents a significant step toward closer collaboration in the country, aiming to align international and national standards, reduce duplication in certification processes, and strengthen producers’ technical capacities.

The MoU will drive progress toward greater harmonization in certification, delivering direct benefits for Colombian producers and supporting the global recognition of sustainable palm oil. It also opens new opportunities for technical cooperation and stronger institutional synergies, contributing to deeper social, environmental, and economic impact.

Amsterdam, 30 September 2025 – The RSPO Label has retained its recognition as one of the 13 top sustainability labels identified in the Dutch market, according to Milieu Centraal, a Dutch knowledge centre for sustainable living, which offers consumers practical tips and advice on everything from waste separation to solar panels.

Every three years, Milieu Centraal, together with 22 external experts, reassesses food labels. RSPO stands alongside globally recognised schemes like Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, MSC, and EU Organic, reinforcing its status as a reliable certification for sustainable palm oil.

The RSPO Label provides a quick and easy way for consumers to identify products made with RSPO Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO), helping to make informed purchasing decisions.

The following 13 were identified as the most ambitious: ASC, Beter Leven 3 stars, Demeter, EU Organic, EKO-NL 3 stars, Fair for Life, Fairtrade, Fair Trade Certified, MSC, Pro Terra, Rainforest Alliance, RSPO, and the Sustainable Rice Platform. The labels were compared against legal minimums, conventional practices, best practice examples, and against each other. About 80 sets of requirements across 11 product categories were assessed.

Paulien van der Geest, label expert at Milieu Centraal, says: “On environmental aspects, researchers looked at how positively requirements impact biodiversity, soil quality, and water management.”

The RSPO’s latest Impact Update shows an average water footprint of 5.27 m³/MT of palm oil production within RSPO Certified plantations, significantly lower than other vegetable oils.

“For tropical products, the criteria examined include bans on child labour, rights to unionise, and whether farmers receive premiums that support a living income,” Ms van der Geest continues.

The 2024 RSPO Principles and Criteria strengthen workers’ rights, workers are now protected against retaliation for joining workers’ organisations and trade unions.

Nearly half (47%) of Dutch consumers say they would pay more attention to sustainability labels if they knew which were most reliable. “Milieu Centraal’s quality rating is important because it shows consumers which are the most credible certification schemes on the products in supermarkets. RSPO’s recognition is a reflection of our dedication to sustainability and creates an opportunity to strengthen the uptake of certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO),” said Ruben Brunsveld, RSPO Deputy Director, Market Transformation (EMEA).

Nearly half (47%) of Dutch consumers say they would pay more attention to sustainability labels if they knew which were most reliable. “Milieu Centraal’s quality rating is important because it shows consumers which are the most credible certification schemes on the products in supermarkets. RSPO’s recognition is a reflection of our dedication to sustainability and creates an opportunity to strengthen the uptake of certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO),” said Ruben Brunsveld, RSPO Deputy Director, Market Transformation (EMEA).

“Milieu Centraal’s quality rating is important because it shows consumers which are the most credible certification schemes on the products in supermarkets. RSPO’s recognition is a reflection of our dedication to sustainability and creates an opportunity to strengthen the uptake of certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO).”

In the Netherlands, the number of RSPO Trademark Licence Holders has more than doubled in recent years, increasing from 47 in 2018 to 100 in 2025. The RSPO Label is now carried on 176 products across a wide range of categories. Bakery leads with 71 products, followed by snacks (25) and soap and bath products (14), while cereals, confectionery, dairy, and personal care also carry the label. This growth highlights both the scale and visibility of the RSPO Label in the Dutch market, reinforcing consumer recognition of certified sustainable palm oil.