KTC has launched a new range of “unashamedly” sustainable, traceable and responsibly sourced palm oil products.
The food company said that KTC’s Planet Palm range is “unashamedly ‘pro palm,’” and is designed to combat “negative misconceptions about palm oil” and will encourage consumers to adopt sustainable behaviours.
While palm oil has a connotation with deforestation and human rights abuses, WWF assures that palm oil can be produced more sustainably and can be certified with production standards such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
The brand confirmed that all its new products are RPSO certified, offering traceability back to the refinery.
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KTC sales director Gary Lewis said the new range will position palm oil as a “positive product.”
He added that switching from palm oil to alternatives doesn’t reduce deforestation or protect biodiversity.
“It simply moves the problems to another part of the world and can make them significantly worse!” he added.
“This isn’t greenwashing – palm oil is the world’s most efficient oil crop, and when customers choose the right certified products, palm oil can be a responsible, sustainable option,” Lewis continued.
“In 2019, 70% of the total palm oil imports to the UK were certified sustainable – today, although there has been limited further progress, that number is similar because of the pandemic, food inflation, price increases, and legislative challenges.
“We want Planet Palm to help restart progress on the adoption of certified sustainable, segregated palm oil in the UK, as we strive for 100% sustainability,” he added.