The Hershey Co. plans to work with its suppliers to achieve 100 percent traceable and sustainably sourced palm oil by the end of 2014.

This is in addition commitment to source 100 percent mass-balanced RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified palm oil more than a year ahead of its original 2015 commitment. 

“The Hershey Company is committed to continuous improvement and transparency in our sustainable sourcing efforts,” says Frank Day, v.p. of global commodities. “Our move to source 100 percent traceable palm oil is the latest step forward in our efforts to ensure we are sourcing only sustainably grown palm oil that does not contribute to the destruction of wildlife habitat or negatively impact the environment.”

New Supplier Requirement

While The Hershey Co. remains a very small consumer in the palm oil market, the additional step of 100 percent traceability will assure that the palm oil in its supply chain is produced using the most rigorous sustainability practices.

To achieve this commitment, the company will work closely with its suppliers and industry experts. Suppliers will be required to independently verify that sources:

• Do not contribute to deforestation or the destruction of wildlife habitat
• Do not clear high carbon stock forests
• Do not contribute to peat land expansion
• Operate in compliance with local laws and regulations

The goal of these requirements is to identify palm oil producers  engaging in unsustainable practices, work with suppliers to remediate these actions and, if necessary, remove these producers from Hershey’s supply chain.

In November, Hershey’s palm oil sourcing efforts were recognized in the World Wildlife Fund’s 2013 Palm Oil Buyers Scorecard, where Hershey scored 10 out of a possible 12 points with 12 being the highest score.