From Voluntary to Vital: How RSPO and EUDR Are Shaping the Future of Palm Oil
At SD Guthrie, we've been part of this shift from the very beginning. We're proud to say we are one of the founding members of the RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil). That commitment wasn't a trend; it was a belief that palm oil can and should be grown responsibly.
But things are moving fast. Regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) are raising the bar even higher. Now, it's about meeting legal requirements, especially for anyone supplying to European markets.
The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) postponed the implementation. The original plan was for large companies to start implementing the EUDR on December 30, 2024. The EU delayed the implementation by one year. Large operators and traders are now need to comply by December 30, 2025. Small- and medium-sized companies have until June 30, 2026.
So What Do RSPO and EUDR Mean in Practice?
There are two pillars that matter right now: RSPO certification and EUDR compliance. While they share some similarities, they are not exactly the same.
What is RSPO-Certified Palm Oil?
RSPO-certified palm oil is about more than tropical forests. While safeguarding tropical forests plays a significant role, it encompasses more. It's also about respecting human rights and treating workers fairly. Furthermore, it's crucial to avoid marginalizing communities in the pursuit of progress.
There are different certification models, like Identity Preserved, Segregated, Mass Balance, and Book & Claim. Each offers varying levels of traceability, depending on what's needed.
What is EUDR-Certified Palm Oil?
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a legal rule. This obligation is not optional if you're selling palm oil, coffee, soy, or several other commodities into the EU. You'll need to prove that your product didn't come from recently deforested land (anything cleared after December 31, 2020). You'll also need to show that it was produced legally in the country of origin.
That means geolocation data, traceability, due diligence, and real accountability. In some ways, it goes further than RSPO. In other ways, it's more narrowly focused.
RSPO and EUDR Palm Oil Work Hand in Hand.
Comparison Table: RSPO vs. EUDR
| Feature | RSPO-Certified Palm Oil | EUDR-Compliant Palm Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Voluntary certification scheme | Mandatory EU regulation (from Dec 2025) |
| Main Goal | Promote sustainable palm oil production | Prevent deforestation linked to EU market products |
| Scope | Environmental, social, and ethical standards | Focused on deforestation, degradation, and legality |
| Traceability | Varies by certification type (IP, MB, Book & Claim) | Requires full traceability with precise geolocation |
| Deforestation Cut-Off Date | No universal cut-off date | Land must not have been deforested after Dec 31, 2020 |
| Legality Check | Encouraged but not strictly enforced | Mandatory—must meet laws of country of origin |
| Third-Party Audits | Yes, RSPO audits by accredited bodies | Company responsibility; audits may be requested by EU |
| Market Recognition | Widely accepted in global markets | Required for access to the EU market |
Why RSPO and EUDR Palm Oil Matter
The certifications are not only about meeting standards for the sake of compliance. This process is about future-proofing your business. Responsibly sourced palm oil is better positioned for long-term viability.
It helps avoid supply chain disruptions. It reduces the risk of being locked out of critical markets. And it builds trust with investors, with partners, and with everyday people trying to make better choices.
There's paperwork, process, and a bit of uncertainty, especially as the EUDR rules take shape. But waiting until it's all perfectly clear might be a mistake. Starting now means you're ahead, prepared, and not panicked.
Where We Stand
Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of our operations at SD Guthrie. We offer RSPO-certified palm oil, and we have our supply chain to meet EUDR requirements. We're investing in traceability. We're working closely with our growers and partners.
Would you like to learn more about how our RSPO-certified palm oil can help achieve your business goals or prepare you for the EUDR?
We're happy to talk it through. 👉 Get in touch with our team.