Woolworths News

Sustainable palm oil action plan

March 29, 2010 

Woolworths Supermarkets has today announced a three point action plan for palm oil sourcing and labelling for private label food products, including Home Brand and Select.

Following long standing efforts to minimise the use of palm oil, particularly in the Select brand of food products and consultation with WWF, Woolworths is now stepping up its commitment as follows:

1. Moving to RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified sustainable palm oil by 2015 for all Woolworths private label products
2. On pack labelling of palm oil and derivatives in all Woolworths private label products*
3. Applying to become the first Australian retail member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil – a global not for profit organisation set up to advance the use of certified palm oil and establish consistent standards

Palm oil has become a common ingredient in manufacturing due to its high yield, functionality and the fact it contains virtually no trans fats, which can be a contributor to high cholesterol and heart disease. However, increased global demand for palm oil is putting considerable pressure on tropical rainforests and threatening the survival of native plants and animals. RSPO certified palm oil is sourced from sustainable and well managed plantations.

Woolworths Director of Supermarkets, Greg Foran said: “Woolworths customers will be pleased to know that Woolworths is joining the list of global players who have committed to taking action on palm oil. There are a number of challenges for us all to work through in order to achieve the long term objective of 100% sustainable certified palm oil but Woolworths is determined to play its part.”

“We would now encourage other Australian retailers and manufacturers to follow this lead and commit to buying sustainable palm oil,” Mr Foran added.

*Where oil is a listed ingredient i.e. excludes trace oils potentially present in emulsifiers etc.

CONTACTS:
For further information please contact:

Clare Buchanan on 0404 829 033 or 

Woolworths Press Office on (02) 8885 1033