Palm oil is a widely debated food ingredient, often criticized for its environmental impact. However, it
is important to recognize that palm oil plays a significant role in feeding the world and providing
sustainable nutrition to populations around the globe. Deforestation remains a challenge, including
the use of protected areas for farming. AAK does not accept any cultivation in protected areas and
we are firmly committed to continue to drive a sustainable supply of palm. The expansion of palm
plantations did contribute significantly to deforestation in the first decade of this century. However,
deforestation rates relating to palm plantations in Indonesia and Malaysia have reduced significantly
in recent years.
By 2025, our goal is to source 100 percent verified deforestation-free palm oil. As of 2022, we reached
71 percent verified deforestation-free and 87 percent traceability to plantation. Maintaining a
sustainable and responsible supply chain requires ongoing vigilance – that is why we work with our
stakeholders to establish strong assurance systems. Our suppliers source palm from around 1,500
mills in Indonesia and Malaysia and the solution for AAK is not to turn its back on a crop that is
needed to feed the world in a sustainable way. The solution is to stay actively engaged in the supply
chain to eliminate deforestation.
AAK drives positive change in the supply chain
We regularly do audits, requesting our suppliers to report and submit their mill list related to AAK’s
supply chain and traceability data. The data is verified by a third party (Earthqualizer) and published
on our website. In addition, we continue to focus on supplier engagement supported by satellite
monitoring, industry-wide collaboration and the potential ceasing of business with suppliers that
show little willingness to improve.
We respond positively to any credible information and encourage an open and transparent dialogue
to help improve the sustainability and perception of what is the highest-yielding vegetable oil crop.
We continuously drive improvements with our suppliers as well as their direct and indirect supply.
