Commitments
Bunge believes all agricultural value chains should be environmentally sustainable and economically beneficial to local communities. We believe sustainable palm oil must be produced in a manner that excludes the conversion of areas of high conservation value or high carbon stock, minimizes greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, utilizes responsible agronomic practices, and protects the rights of workers and local communities.
Bunge is not a palm plantation company, but as an active participant in the palm oil value chain we recognize the important role we can play in encouraging a transition to more sustainable practices.
Bunge immediately commits to begin building a traceable supply chain, following the principles below, for 100 percent of the palm oil and palm derivatives it trades, processes and utilizes in commercial and consumer products worldwide:
Bunge announced an updated palm oil sourcing policy in October 2014 that details our commitment to build a traceable supply chain for all of the palm oil and derivatives we trade or utilize in our products, and which includes the following principles:
Forest & Biodiversity Preservation
Protection of High Conservation Value (HCV) areas as defined by Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) P&C 5.2 and 7.3 and High Carbon Stock (HCS) forests as defined by the HCS Steering Group
Reduction of GHG Emissions
- Protection of peat areas, regardless of depth
- Application of RSPO best management practices for peat on existing plantations
- No burning
Labor Protections, Human Rights and Free, Prior & Informed Consent (FPIC)
- Prohibition of forced and child labor, discrimination and harassment of workers
- Protection of freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining
- Respect of local and indigenous community rights and application of FPIC for land purchases and use
- Support of the Food and Agriculture Organization Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure
Legal Compliance
Compliance with all relevant national and local laws
Traceability
Bunge will strive for traceability to the mill level for all suppliers and, in areas of high environmental or social sensitivity, to the fresh fruit bunch level.
Implementation & Transparency
- Starting immediately, Bunge will collaborate with suppliers and other relevant stakeholders to develop time-bound implementation plans, and to move toward 100 percent implementation of the above commitments.
- In addition to our RSPO ACOP, we will issue, at least once per year, public reports detailing our time-bound plans and progress toward full implementation.
RSPO
- Bunge will continue to promote and increase its use of RSPO-certified oil to serve customers.
- Elements of the above commitments may affect the timing or nature of increases in our purchases of RSPO oil.
Other Measures
Bunge will engage actively with stakeholders to improve the effectiveness of our efforts and to advance sustainable agriculture practices overall.