initiatives and certifications
Ashland is an active member of RSPO. Ashland currently has 4 locations RSPO-MB certified:
- Freetown, MA
- Hopewell, VA
- Sophia Antipolis, France
- Zwijndrecht, Netherlands
As of 2023, companywide, an estimated 94% of Ashland’s palm containing raw materials are sourced from RSPO-MB certified suppliers.
Ashland’s goal is to continue to increase this number and to achieve 100% certified palm products.
RSPO
Palm oil is a natural product utilized by several different industries for a diverse range of products and processes. Its harvest is a major contributor to rainforest deforestation and the effects are exacerbated by increasing global demand. To address this environmental problem, Ashland has become a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). RSPO is a non-profit organization which sets environmental and social standards for the sustainable harvest of this product.
When they are properly applied, the RSPO’s criteria can help minimize the negative impact of palm oil cultivation on the environment and communities in palm oil-producing regions. They ensure the protection of ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, and that the needs of local communities are met. Other RSPO principles require a significantly reduced use of pesticides and fires; fair treatment of workers according to local and international labour rights standards, and the need to inform and consult with local communities before the development of new plantations. RSPO-certified producers have been independently audited so they can claim that they produce, use and/or sell sustainable palm oil. Ashland is currently pursuing this RSPO Supply Chain certification. Additionally, Ashland plans to restrict palm oil purchases to only Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) by 2025. When and if new palm oil initiatives are introduced, Ashland will evaluate all options for our palm oil supply chain.
Ashland commitment to sustainability
As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, Ashland recognizes the importance of sustainability in our cellulosic business which relies on wood pulp cellulose as a raw material for several grades of product. The wood pulp used in our cellulose products is sourced from suppliers who have third party sustainability certifications in place, allowing them to provide responsibly sourced wood-based materials.
