A sustainable approach

 
SIPEF demonstrates that large-scale tropical agriculture can be both productive and sustainable. We combine operational excellence with deep respect for the ecosystems, landscapes, and communities in which we work. With authenticity at our core and a long-term mindset, we prioritise the health of our land, business, and relationships. Our approach delivers consistent results while safeguarding natural capital and the communities that depend on responsible growth. 

Sustainability policies

We manage our plantations and operations in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Our sustainability strategy is implemented through two main policies:

• Responsible Plantations Policy (RPP).
• Responsible Purchasing Policy (RPuP).

In addition to RPP and RPuP, we are also committed to other sustainability-related corporate policies.

Sustainability governance structure

SIPEF’s sustainability governance structure ensures the implementation and constant evolution of our sustainability commitments, from Board level to subsidiary level.

SIPEF Board of Directors
Ultimate responsibility for sustainability lies at Board level. The full Board reviews SIPEF's progress with sustainability rankings and ratings, certification, and internal risk assessments and reporting. A sustainability briefing paper is provided to the Board of Directors at least twice a year and the Board discusses material environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics during its annual strategic board meeting.

SIPEF Executive Committee
The SIPEF Executive Committee oversees the implementation and progress of the Group’s sustainability strategy. Sustainability is led at Executive Committee level by the Chief Operating Officer Asia-Pacific (COO APAC).

SIPEF Global Sustainability Team
The Global Sustainability Team is focused on ensuring that SIPEF’s sustainability strategy, policies, and communications are consistent with the evolving expectations and requirements of key stakeholders. This includes coordinating internal and external reporting on our sustainability performance. The team is managed by the Group Director Sustainability and is overseen by the Chief Operating Officer Asia-Pacific (COO APAC).

Regional Sustainability Teams 
Three regional teams manage the local implementation of SIPEF’s sustainability strategy and policies at subsidiary level in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire.

1. The Indonesian team is led by the Director of Sustainability in Indonesia, and is spread across four locations: the Medan Head Office, North Sumatra, Bengkulu and Musi Rawas (South Sumatra).
2. The team in Papua New Guinea consists of a sustainability head of department and experts focused on different areas of sustainability at Hargy Oil Palms Ltd (HOPL). 
3. The team in Côte d'Ivoire is led by a sustainability manager, and is made up of experts and sustainability assistants (one at each site). 

The Group Director Sustainability oversees the regional teams, together with the respective Regional Executive Committees, and reports directly to the SIPEF Executive. committee.

Stakeholder Engagement

Regular dialogue and long-term partnerships are central to the success of SIPEF’s Balanced Growth Strategy, helping to ensure that the views of those affected by, and influencing, our operations are actively considered.

Stakeholder engagement is a core element of SIPEF’s sustainability strategy. Key stakeholder groups include:

• Customers
• Shareholders and investors
• Local communities and smallholders
• Environmental and social NGOs
• Technical consultants, researchers, and peers
• Governments and regulatory bodies

Engagement takes place through regular meetings, questionnaires, site visits, and participation in industry platforms. At an operational level, teams work closely with smallholders, local communities, and public authorities, while technical experts and NGOs contribute to assessments, training, and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder feedback informs SIPEF’s strategic priorities and supports transparent reporting, effective grievance management, and compliance with sustainability standards. Further details on stakeholders, engagement approaches, and outcomes are set out in the Integrated Annual Report (IAR).

Multi-stakeholder collaboration

SIPEF contributes to initiatives and platforms that support responsible production and sector-wide sustainability transformation. These collaborations strengthen knowledge-sharing, policy development, and environmental and social innovation.

Key initiatives include:

Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)

SIPEF has been a member of the RSPO since 2005 and holds a seat on the Board of Governors, representing 'Rest-of-the-World' growers. The Group participates in a range of RSPO working bodies, including the Biodiversity & High Conservation Value (HCV) Working Group, the Jurisdictional Approach Working Group, the Compensation Task Force, the Living Wage Task Force, the No Deforestation Joint Steering Group, and the Standards Standing Committee.

High Conservation Value Network (HCVN)

SIPEF has been a member of the HCV Network since 2025. The network promotes the HCV approach, a methodology to identify and protect biodiversity and local livelihoods in development areas.

Palm Oil Collaboration Group (POCG)

SIPEF has been a member of the POCG since 2025. The Group brings together companies across the palm oil supply chain to accelerate the implementation of No Deforestation, No Peat Expansion, and No Exploitation (NDPE) commitments.

Tropical Forest Alliance (TFA)

SIPEF is a member of the TFA, a global platform working to reduce commodity-driven deforestation and scale sustainable land-use practices.