LONDON, UK – December 1, 2018 – BM TRADA is the first certification body to be re-accredited to the prestigious Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) scheme.

Established in 2004 by a number of parties, including the World Wild Fund for Nature, the RSPO is a global scheme promoting the growth and use of sustainable palm oil products through credible standards and engagement of stakeholders. BM TRADA was the first organisation to be approved by the scheme in 2006, and the first to be accredited in 2013.

The RSPO believes that the solution to making palm oil viable lies in certification and lobbies for properly cultivated palm oil - as opposed to the removal of palm oil - to mitigate negative consequences without unduly affecting supply.

BM TRADA, which is a part of Element Materials Technology (Element), is one of only 30 certification bodies worldwide who have RSPO accreditation, with some focusing on plantations, and others certifying the supply chain.

Rob Veitch, EVP Fire and Building Products at Element, said: “Our work with the RSPO is something that we’re incredibly proud of. We’re an ethical business and this is an issue that we feel very strongly about. We’re thrilled to be able to continue to certify to RSPO and help to protect the environment, wildlife and people affected by palm harvesting.

“We have been struck by the enthusiasm and open attitude of the supply chain, and it has been an absolute pleasure working with them for the past five years. The whole supply chain has got behind the scheme, which has made a huge difference. We look forward to continuing this work for another five years.”

Palm oil can be found in around half of all packaged products in the supermarket, and demand is increasing. The RSPO’s definition of sustainable palm oil significantly limits HCV forest clearance and prohibits any burning in its cultivation. The welfare of local communities who depend on the forest must be safeguarded, and employees in the trade must be offered fair working conditions. Since the RSPO was established, 20 percent of the world’s plantations are now certified.

Organisations can ensure that they are supporting the scheme by certifying all products containing palm oil, to the RSPO standard. For the palm oil to be certified, each stage of the supply chain must be accredited.

For further information, please visit BM TRADA’s WEBSITE or contact Cert.admin@bmtrada.com quoting PPN-RSPO-1


About BM TRADA
BM TRADA, part of the Element Group, specializes in providing a comprehensive range of independent testing, inspection, certification, technical and training services. We help organizations to demonstrate their business and product credentials and to improve performance and compliance.

We exist to help our customers to make certain that the management systems, supply chain and product certification schemes they operate are compliant and fit for purpose.

Media contacts:
Diana Milford, External Communications Manager
T: +44 (0) 131 333 8052 / +44 (0) 7768 884 954
E: diana.milford@element.com

Alie Simpson, Pagoda Public Relations
T: +44 (0) 131 556 0770
E: alie.simpson@pagodapr.com