Palm Done Right calls for transparent labelling with #SayItOnTheWrapper campaign

Palm Done Right (PDR) has launched a new campaign, #SayItOnTheWrapper, to encourage transparent consumer product labelling around palm oil.

Spearheaded by organic palm ingredients supplier, Natural Habitats Group, PDR is a sustainable palm advocacy group which aims to ‘change the conversation’ around palm oil. Its partners include brands such as Nutiva and Donut Farm, as well as a number of retailers. 

Growing awareness about adverse effects of palm oil production on the environment, biodiversity and local communities has promoted the use of palm oil-free options among brands and consumers PDR says. However, the organisation argues that the reformulation of products to exclude palm in turn has negative consequences.

Palm oil, PDR claims, has beneficial functional characteristics when it comes to taste, shelf life and overall product performance.

The organisation also says that alternatives use more land, and that movement away from palm risks damaging the livelihoods of ‘millions’ of farmers and workers in the palm oil sector.

The new campaign will call for manufacturers and retailers to be open about their palm oil use. It includes encouraging brands to provide clear labelling on packaging and to have an ‘open conversation’ with their consumers explaining why they are using palm for their products.

Monique van Wijnbergen, sustainability and corporate communications director of Natural Habitats Group, said: “One of the best ways for consumers to both educate themselves and keep the pressure on producers and retailers is to ask them questions.

“Start asking the manufacturer questions and demand they start sourcing, or scale up their sourcing, from sustainable sources.”

This campaign will run leading up to September’s third annual Palm Done Right Month, which aims to increase awareness of palm oil that is organic, ‘deforestation-free, wildlife-friendly, fair and social’.