BOULDER, Colo. — Earth Balance – makers of a variety of plant-based, vegan products such as buttery spreads, nut butters and snacks – announced that by the end of 2015, the company plans to source 100 percent of its palm oil from independently verified responsible palm oil producers.
Since 2010, Earth Balance – part of the Boulder Brands family – has been proactive in its work to lead change and innovation in responsible palm oil production. Last year, the company became the first manufacturer to pledge support for the Palm Oil Innovation Group (POIG), which builds upon the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Earth Balance is working closely with POIG and RSPO to elevate responsible palm oil standards throughout the supply chain, which includes palm oil producers, suppliers, manufacturers and retailers.
“We’ve been working on this issue for five years, and we’re excited to announce this next step in our journey,” said Adriane Little, category director for Earth Balance. “We are a relatively small-scale palm oil user, using less than 0.05 percent of all palm oil, However, we strongly believe that we can make an important, lasting impact on the palm oil industry by working together with organizations like POIG, RSPO, Rainforest Action Network and others dedicated to transforming the palm oil industry.”
Concerns regarding palm oil revolve around the serious problems that irresponsible palm oil production creates including habitat loss, carbon and water pollution, indigenous community dislocation, abuse of workers and forest degradation.
Palm oil is a plant-based, edible oil that provides functional health and performance benefits, and is an essential ingredient in many Earth Balance products. While there are options for replacing palm oil in Earth Balance products, those alternatives – such as hydrogenated and interesterified oils – would present health and product quality challenges, and alternate oils may also have negative environmental impacts.
“Together, Earth Balance and Boulder Brands are dedicated to leading change and improving lives. One way we’re doing this is by focusing on quality ingredients that will help change the way Americans eat,” said Caroline Hughes, director of corporate communications for Boulder Brands. “We believe that palm oil can and should be responsibly sourced and sustainably produced, and we’re proud that Earth Balance is becoming a leader in this effort.”
Earth Balance has three guiding tenets in its responsible palm oil sourcing commitment:
- Environmental responsibility and conservation
- Community partnerships and the respect for human rights
- Traceable and accountable supply chains and transparent reporting and improvement metrics
To learn more, visit earthbalancenatural.com/responsibility.
About Earth Balance
Boulder, Colo. based Earth Balance produces a line of delicious buttery spreads, shortenings, nut butters, dressings and snacks. All Earth Balance® products are plant-based, vegan, made without artificial flavors and hydrogenated oils, and are free from lactose and eggs, offering a delicious alternative for individuals with food sensitivities and those seeking plant-based options of their favorite foods. Earth Balance strongly supports the Non-GMO Project and sustainable agriculture practices, and all Earth Balance products are made without genetically modified ingredients. The company also plans to source 100 percent of its palm oil from independently verified responsible vendors by the end of 2015. Earth Balance is owned by Boulder Brands, (NasdaqGM: BDBD). For more information, visit www.EarthBalanceNatural.com.
Source: Earth Balance
