AAK has partnered with Earthqualizer and Satelligence to tackle deforestation through satellite monitoring of its palm oil supply chain.
The partnerships with the two sustainability tech companies – which provide high-resolution satellite data – allow AAK to monitor its global palm oil supply base accurately and in real time.
In doing so, oil and fat producer AAK hopes it will be possible to detect signs of deforestation earlier and take immediate action.
“This new innovative monitoring technology is an important part of AAK’s sustainability strategy and by 2025, our goal is that 100% of the palm oil that we source should be 100% verified deforestation free,” said Johan Westman, president and CEO, AAK Group.
“As co-founders of the RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil), AAK’s ambition is to play a leading role in transforming the palm oil industry towards sustainability. By investing in these partnerships, we will contribute to the full visibility and verification of deforestation-free supply chains.”
Earthqualizer deploys a risk management tool that screens and monitors compliance with No Deforestation, No Peat and No Exploitation (NDPE) policies among palm oil refineries, mills and plantations.
Meanwhile, Satelligence aims to help companies achieve deforestation-free sourcing and production of commodities such as palm oil, cocoa, coffee and soy.
Mapping and monitoring forests, planted palm areas, deforestation and fire impact, Satelligence provides daily insights into supply chain risks.
“With insights from satellite monitoring and compliance data from risk assessments, we are able to more quickly identify risks of deforestation and conversion of peatlands so that we can engage with suppliers to take appropriate actions leading to measurable progress towards our commitments,” said Anne Mette Olesen, chief strategy and sustainability officer at AAK.
“The two systems cover our global supply base for palm, and we are already seeing the benefits of our monitoring activities.”
At the end of last year, AAK unveiled plans for a ‘centre of excellence’ for plant-based foods at its existing site in Zaandijk, the Netherlands.
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