Our Sustainable Goal

Because the oil palm can only be cultivated in tropical areas of Asia, Africa and South America, there are environmental, social and economic pressures on its rapid expansion. In order for EPO to continue to be an attractive proposition for investors in the global palm oil market and within its supply chain, and to make a positive environmental and social investment where we operate, we must ensure that we adhere to the highest possible sustainability standards. The Company is therefore a member of the international body tasked with promoting sustainable palm oil production. This is a core aspect of the company’s activities.

About RSPO

The RSPO was formed in 2004 with the objective of promoting the growth and use of sustainable oil palm products through credible global standards and engagement of stakeholders. It has over 450 member organisations across seven stakeholder groups involved in the palm oil industry. The groups are:

• Oil palm producers
• Palm oil processors or traders
• Consumer goods manufacturers
• Retailers
• Banks and investors
• Environmental and nature-focussed NGOs
• Social and development focussed NGOs

EPO has been an approved oil palm producer since 2006. The Company fully supports the RSPO’s vision to transform palm oil markets to ensure that sustainable palm oil is the norm. Therefore, its policies and procedures are designed in accordance with the eight RSPO Principles which are as follows:

• Transparency
• Compliance with applicable laws and regulations
• Commitment to long-term economic and financial viability
• Use of appropriate best practices by growers and millers
• Environmental responsibility and conservation of natural resources and biodiversity
• Responsible consideration of employees and of individuals and communities affected by growers and mills
• Responsible development of new plantings
• Commitment to continuous improvement in key areas of activity

These principles, together with the thirty-nine supporting criteria defined by RSPO, are recognised as being the most stringent global standards for sustainable palm oil production and demonstrate the Company’s commitment to being a leader in industry best practice. In order to do this, it has appointed key personnel on the ground to ensure that the Company will meet all the principles of the RSPO and review its performance regularly.