Consumers prefer to spend their money on brands that preach prosocial messages, apply sustainable manufacturing practices and exercise ethical business standards.
Displacement of indigenous peoples, deforestation and loss of biodiversity are all consequences of our palm oil consumption. Palm oil use is exceptionally widespread with the majority of supermarket products containing either palm oil or one of its many derivatives. It can be found in frozen pizzas, biscuits and margarine, as well as body creams, soaps, makeup, candles and detergents. Because it is not only in our foods, but also in cosmetics, cleaning products and fuels, it’s a huge source of profits for all corporations.
As a trademark specialist who is fascinated by SUSTAINABLE BRANDS and how they can reduce our impact in our environment, I want to celebrate in this edition the second anniversary of the International Palm Oil Free Certification Trademark (POFCAP) last August 19.
Two years ago, on International Orangutan Day, August 19 2017, the International Palm Oil Free Certification launched the world’s first Palm Oil Free Certification Trademark in Australia.
The PALM OIL FREE certification mark is now Global with approval to certify brands in twenty (20) countries. POFCAP assesses products as to their palm oil free status. The program aims to assist
consumers who wish to avoid palm oil for allergy, dietary or ethical reasons when shopping for genuine, independently assessed palm oil free products and distribute 100% of profits to POFCAP’s Partner NGOs working to protect rainforests.
The trademark has been approved in 19 countries - Australia, Scotland, Spain,
Ireland, Austria, England, Wales, Sweden, the USA, Italy, France, Finland, New Zealand, Singapore, Norway, India, etc.
POFCAP celebrates its second birthday this year with 1,088 products having been Certified as PALM OIL FREE with hundreds more currently under assessment.
The reduction of palm oil consumption evokes robust discussion around both
health and environment. The cute cheeky little orangutan featured on the Palm Oil Free certification trademark, JABRICK, was herself sadly a victim of
deforestation.
With over 80% of palm oil being produced unsustainably the concerns surrounding the impact on rainforests, wildlife and the climate crisis has seen more people seeking products
which are genuinely palm
oil free.
To be genuinely a PALM OIL FREE product, it has to be assessed as such by an independent and approved certification program.
Whenever you feel discouraged or lose hope that you can do something about the damage to our environment, remember that whether you are a brand owner, who can seek for certification of your palm oil free products, or a consumer, who can choose
products that are palm oil free, you can always make a difference.
In fact, we can all make a small difference by the choices we make in our everyday life to protect people and nature. For more information, check out the link below at www.palmoilfreecertification.org
