“From Tree to Table: Palm Oil’s Sustainable Journey”

Follows sustainable practices from Guthrie estates (Eco-Biodiversity Sites, zero-burning policy)

Palm oil is one of the world’s most efficient oil crops which produce significantly more oil per hectare than alternatives like soybean or sunflower. However, its cultivation has been linked to deforestation and environmental degradation especially in biodiversity-rich regions such as Southeast Asia. SD Guthrie as a leader in sustainable palm oil production, is transforming this narrative through innovative and responsible practices that ensure palm oil’s journey from tree to table is environmentally sound, socially responsible, and economically viable.

SD Guthrie is devoted to preserving and restoring biodiversity in its plantations. The corporation identifies Eco-Biodiversity Sites inside its estates, which are places conserved to protect native flora and animals, hence promoting ecosystem health and resilience. These places serve as critical habitats and contribute to the overall sustainability of the landscape, fitting with SD Guthrie’s Beyond Zero paradigm, which emphasizes zero deforestation and active ecosystem restoration.

 SD Guthrie strictly implements a zero-burning policy on all of its estates to reduce air pollution and protect soil quality. This strategy eliminates the use of fire for land clearing, which has historically been associated with smoke and environmental degradation in the region. SD Guthrie’s adoption of zero-burning reduces greenhouse gas emissions and minimizes unwanted impacts on nearby populations and ecosystems.

Since 2016, SD Guthrie has followed a stringent NDPE policy, guaranteeing that no new plantations are built on forests or peatland areas, and that labour practices respect human rights. This policy is supported by detailed mapping and comprehensive audits of oil palms plantations, including partnerships with smallholder in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands to assist them in meeting international sustainability standards such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

SD Guthrie’s integrated approach encompasses the full palm oil value chain, from cultivation and harvesting to refining and distribution. This end-to-end control allows for near-complete traceability of palm oil products, guaranteeing that every palm oil is certified sustainable and in compliance with worldwide rules. Their traceability technology, Crosscheck, delivers transparency from source to supply, strengthening trust and accountability for buyers and consumers.

SD Guthrie invests in cutting-edge technologies and research to meet the increasing worldwide demand for palm oil while also protecting the environment. Genomic breeding methods have produced high-yield, pest-resistant oil palms, reducing the requirement for additional land and chemical inputs. Precision agriculture techniques, such as drone-assisted pesticide spraying and GPS-guided machinery, improve resource efficiency and reduce waste. These solutions allow SD Guthrie to boost output on existing land while maintaining ecological integrity.

SD Guthrie’s sustainability agenda includes respect for human rights and community well-being. The company’s Human Right Charter is consistent with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, assuring fair labour standards and assistance for local communities. Their collaboration with smallholders enables these producers to adopt sustainable practices and get access to international markets under demanding sustainability criteria.

In conclusion, SD Guthrie’s palm oil journey from tree to table demonstrates a balanced and sustainable strategy. SD Guthrie is creating industry benchmarks by merging eco-biodiversity protection, zero-burning principles, rigorous traceability, creative agriculture, and social responsibility.