A wave of companies has committed to sourcing responsibly produced palm oil; yet, problems still persist in their supply chains.

The rapid clearing and burning of forests and carbon-rich peat lands to make way for palm plantations has led to rampant deforestation, forced labor, biodiversity loss, massive health problems, and land rights violations. These issues also pose major regulatory and reputational risks for companies that threaten their market access and overall brand value.

To improve transparency and help all stakeholders understand the gaps in palm oil implementation, a diverse group of over 18 nonprofit organizations and investor groups, convened by Ceres, developed common reporting guidance for companies.

The Reporting Guidance for Responsible Palm is a set of shared expectations for corporate reporting on company commitments towards responsible palm oil sourcing and production.