Cargill first to receive ISCC certification for palm oil
Date: 13 July 2010
Contact: Corinne Holtshausen, +44 1932 861 204, Corinne_holtshausen@cargill.com
SCHIEDAM, NETHERLANDS— 13 July 2010 — Cargill's refined oils business has become the first company to receive official certification for its sustainable palm oil supply chain according to the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standards. This means that Cargill is able to provide customers with palm oil destined for energy applications that is working towards compliance with both the EU's Renewable Energy Directive (RED) as well as the Fuel Quality Directive (FQD), which are being written into law by EU member countries.
"This initiative is a further demonstration of Cargill's commitment to responsible supply chains," said Robert Van der Zee, head of Cargill's refined oil business in Europe. "In addition to our existing ability to provide customers with Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) products, the ISCC certification will allow customers in the energy sector to prepare to meet the RED requirements and it will also potentially benefit those in the food sector."
Cargill's ISCC certification covers its European oil refinery in the Netherlands and its oil palm plantation, P.T. Hindoli in Sumatra, Indonesia. The ISCC requires the minimisation of greenhouse gas emissions and the preservation of biodiversity during the production of biofuels and bioenergy.
Cargill received the certification from SGS Germany, part of the SGS Group, the leading global inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS Germany is approved by the German Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE) to certify the sustainable production of biomass. Germany is the first EU member state to implement the EU's RED into a German Sustainability Ordinance and it has approved the ISCC to manage compliance.
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About Cargill
Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. Founded in 1865, the privately held company employs 138,000 people in 67 countries. Cargill helps customers succeed through collaboration and innovation, and is committed to sharing its global knowledge and experience to help meet economic, environmental and social challenges wherever it does business. For more information, visit http://www.cargill.com.
About SGS
SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. Recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity, SGS employs 59,000 people and operate a network of more than 1,000 offices and laboratories around the world. SGS is constantly looking beyond customers' and society's expectations in order to deliver market leading services wherever they are needed. As the leader in providing specialized business solutions that improve quality, safety and productivity and reduce risk, SGS helps customers navigate an increasingly regulated world. The independent services add significant value to customers' operations and ensure business sustainability. For more information, visit http://www.sgs.com
