From biscuits to lipstick to toothpaste, it is estimated that 50% of packaged items in our supermarkets contain palm oil.
But, while the commodity might be ubiquitous, consumers are often unaware of it, far less of the impact its production can have on biodiversity and local communities.
Join us for a seminar on 12 June 2017, 9.30am-12 noon (BST), to explore the role of consumers in the palm oil debate and what impact brands can have on improving the commodity’s sustainability.
We’ll discuss
This seminar will bring together an expert panel to explore the role consumers and brands can play in improving the sustainability of the palm oil industry. Topics for consideration will include:
- How does consumer awareness of and behaviour towards the issues surrounding palm oil vary around the world?
- What impact does this have on driving corporate responsibility?
- How do consumers’ palm oil concerns fit into awareness of palm oil alternatives such as soybean and rapeseed oil?
- Why do consumers boycott palm oil and how else can they make their voices heard?
- How do companies engage with the concerns of consumers and how do they prioritise these alongside their own CSR initiatives?
- Can brands drive measurable improvements in the palm oil supply chain and is this ever as a result of consumer pressure?
Our panel
Chair – Laura Paddison, editor, Guardian Sustainable Business
Farwiza Farhan, chair, Yayasan HAkA, an Indonesian NGO working to protect Sumatra’s Leuser Ecosystem
Jonathan Horrell, director of sustainability, Mondelez International
Fiona Wheatley, sustainable development manager, Marks and Spencer
More panellists to be confirmed
Event information
Monday 12 June 2017, 9.30am-12 noon (BST)
The Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9GU
To attend this seminar, please register your interest by filling in the below form. While this is a free event, please be aware that space is limited and priority will be given to individuals with relevant professional experience.
