October 1, 2015
Call for Sustainable Palm Oil
in Cosmetics and Detergents
Dear Supplier,
This is a call to join the Swedish Initiative on Sustainable Palm Oil in Cosmetics and Detergents (SISPO) in the work
for transformation of the market from using conventional palm oil to sustainable palm oil in cosmetics and
detergents.
The oil palm currently provides the world’s most important vegetable oils; palm oil and palm kernel oil. The oil
palm is the highest-yielding oil crop, which makes it very efficient. But, it is also associated with environmental and
social problems. Converting land to oil palm plantations are often done without regards to local populations,
environment and wildlife. This result in disadvantageous contracts for local population, emissions of greenhouse
gases and less access to clean water, but also impacts on biodiversity where orangutans, rhinoceros, tigers and
elephants are particularly threatened.
Swedish Initiative on Sustainable Palm Oil in Cosmetics and Detergents originates in collaboration between the
Swedish Union of Chemical Technical Suppliers (KTF), retail and grocery companies as well as manufacturing
brands. All participants in the initiative are concerned about the negative impact of conventional palm oil
production and share believe that joined forces will lead to greater usage of sustainable palm oil in cosmetics and
detergents.
Use of palm oil and palm kernel oil in cosmetics and detergents is complex since derivatives of palm oil and palm
kernel oil is used as ingredients in products. Hence, we need to pass this call forward in our supply chains to reach
producers of derivatives/ingredients. Then we can make a change. Until the supply of sustainable palm oil and
palm kernel oil in derivatives/ingredients has increased, participants in the initiative undertakes to compensate for
palm oil and palm kernel oil used in their products.
Together we can highlight the demand for sustainably produced palm oil and palm kernel oil and contribute to a
transition towards sustainable palm oil and palm kernel oil in cosmetics and detergents. We welcome you to join
Swedish Initiative on Sustainable Palm Oil in Cosmetics and Detergents. Please see more information about the
initiative and how to join at www.ktf.se/vill-du-veta-mer/palm-oil/
If you have any questions, please contact the sender for more information.
Best wishes,