Duchy Originals’ Policy on Palm Oil
The use of palm oil is a controversial subject. The majority of palm oil production has a detrimental effect on our rainforest habitats and the planet’s climate. However, we believe it is possible to source palm oil in a sustainable and ethical manner with due respect for the environment.
Duchy Originals is absolutely against sourcing ingredients which would contribute to deforestation. We ensure that our palm oil sourcing is responsible, ethical and sustainable. Indeed, we are proud to say that Duchy Originals is among the leaders in ensuring that any palm oil we use in our products is from sustainable sources. We look forward to the day when all the major users can make a similar claim to not threaten rainforest habitats.
It is the palm oil sourced and produced in a non sustainable way which is having a truly damaging effect on the world’s rainforest habitats and ultimately our climate.
1. We only use minimal quantities of palm oil. Currently only 2% of our products contain palm oil and only then in minimal quantities and in recipes where we feel there is no satisfactory alternative - for example occasionally in baking as it is good alternative to the often used hydrogenated fat which we, as organic producers, do not put in our products.
2. We insist that the palm oil that our producers use must come from a sustainable certified organic source. Our approach to sourcing palm oil is a direct reflection of the belief in organic and sustainable food production The Prince of Wales set out when he founded Duchy Originals. Certified organic palm oil guarantees the natural biodiversity of the environment by forbidding the use of damaging artificial fertilisers and pesticides, practising responsible plantation management, and also protecting the human rights of the plantation workers.
3. We demand full traceability back to the plantation. Our commitment to this organic certification means that we have always had complete traceability through from plantation to store shelf. As a result, we know that our palm oil is only sourced from sustainable organic sources in Latin America.
Duchy Originals supports the work of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil and its endeavours to extend the use of sustainable palm oil.
To find out more about our sourcing beliefs and commitments please view The Duchy Originals Good Food Charter.
