Japanese food and health giant Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd. has completed its transition to using 100% RSPO-certified palm oil in all its operations. The transition applies to 18 plants in Japan and 5 overseas at the time of writing, all of which have acquired RSPO supply chain certification.
Since joining the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in 2016, Meiji Group has strived to ensure traceability to the mill for its palm oil supply. The move aims to tackle deforestation, peatland development, and exploitation in palm oil production areas. The Group has completed confirmation at extraction plants for all palm oil volume sourced from January to June 2023.
Palm oil is commonly used in processed foods and its production has been linked to various environmental and social issues in major producing countries. Additionally, the expansion of palm oil plantations can disrupt delicate ecosystems, leading to a decrease in biodiversity and adverse impacts on local environmental balance.
About RSPO-Certified Palm Oil
RSPO certification sets standards for producing palm oil in a sustainable manner. These standards focus on preserving natural resources and wildlife habitats while ensuring fair treatment and welfare of workers and local communities.
RSPO-certified palm oil is produced under stricter guidelines compared to conventional palm oil, aiming to minimize environmental harm and social injustice. Major corporations, including Unilever, Nestlé, and PepsiCo, have adopted this certification in their operations.
Meiji’s Other Sustainability Efforts
Meiji Holdings has also engaged in other sustainability activities. These include efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote recycling and waste management, and utilize environmentally-friendly packaging materials.
In July 2023, the Group set a range of greenhouse gas reduction target, including reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% and slashing Scope 3 emissions by 30%. Both goals were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative and are set to be achieved by March 2031.
Additionally, Meiji emphasizes health and wellness through its product offerings, aligning with broader societal objectives of sustainability and health. According to recent studies, this is part of a growing trend among consumers who are increasingly linking healthy food products to the environment.
