Two UK food giants have become the latest to sign up to Chester Zoo’s sustainable palm oil programme, aiming to protect the world’s forests.
Bosses at the zoo announced that food oils supplier KTC and food manufacturer The Compleat Food Group had both signed up to the programme, which was set up and run by the conservation charity.
As ambassadors, both companies have pledged to use palm oil from deforestation-free sustainable sources and to promote the use of sustainable palm oil to protect vulnerable habitats.
Other companies taking part in the scheme include Roberts Bakery, Pieminister, Greggs, The Q Partnership and Silbury.
“It’s vital that deforestation free palm oil becomes standard,” said Eleanor Evans, project officer at Chester Zoo.
“It’s only through championing this, sourcing responsibly and increased transparency that we can start to shift the dial to make it the norm.”
The zoo began its work on sustainable palm oil in 2012 and in 2019, Chester was named the first Sustainable Palm Oil City in the world.
Palm oil, commonly found in many supermarket products, often receives a bad reputation due to unsustainable production which drives the destruction of huge areas of rainforest in Sumatra, Borneo and other regions.
However, palm oil itself is not inherently bad, according to the zoo’s experts.
It can yield 10-15 times as much oil per acre than other sources, meaning that swapping to another plant source was not necessarily better and could contribute to an increase in deforestation.
David Moore, director at The Compleat Food Group, said his company was proud to stand alongside the zoo and become an ambassador for the scheme.
“Our mission is to create food to feel good, food that’s not only delicious and affordable, but also better for people and the planet.
“By joining this initiative, we’re reinforcing our commitment to sustainable sourcing and encouraging others across the industry to support the transition to responsible palm oil production.”
Gary Lewis, of KTC Edibles, said his firm was proud to use and promote sustainable palm oil.
“Becoming a communities ambassador for Chester Zoo is the latest step in our mission to lead the way on the responsible sourcing of edible oils and to creating a more sustainable future for all,” Mr Lewis said.
More information about the Sustainable Palm Oil Ambassadors scheme is available on Chester Zoo’s website: www.chesterzoo.org/spoambassadors
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