Palm oil and its derivatives are present in about 70% of cosmetic products and are obtained from the flesh of the fruit of African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and palm kernel oil is obtained by pressing oil from the kernel, or seed, of the fruit.
Currently, the amount of palm oil (including palm kernel oil) produced is at the highest level, surpassing soybean oil, and is utilized worldwide as a raw material or ingredient in the production of cosmetics as well as foods, detergents and other products.
Palm oil value
Swadesh Bose, Managing Director for Intertek Malaysia, comments: "Palm oil has always been one of the most valued products in Malaysia.”
“As the first independent quality provider to be fully accredited in Malaysia, we look forward to extending the sustainability solution and economic partnership advantages to our clients."
For Intertek's Southeast Asia the award of accreditation further enhances its commitment to support the industry and its market requirements for its customers, says the company.
The RSPO Principles and Criteria (P&C) for Sustainable Palm Oil Production are the global guidelines for producing palm oil sustainably.
Palm oil producers will be initially assessed for certification to the stringent RSPO P&C and if certified, will be annually assessed for continued compliance. After five years the main assessment will be repeated.
Certification
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) was formed with the objective to promote the production and use of sustainable palm oil products through credible global standards and engagement of all stakeholders throughout the entire supply chain.
No public claims relating to compliance with the RSPO Principles and Criteria can be made without third party certification.
RSPO producer members who are interested in becoming RSPO certified as sustainable palm oil producers need to engage a RSPO approved Certification Body (CB) for such certification.