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.
• Responsible Purchasing Policy.

In addition to these two policies we are also committed to other sustainability-related corporate policies.

Sustainability governance structure

Sustainability is embedded in SIPEF’s governance framework and is an integral part of the Group’s mission, vision, Guiding Principles, and Balanced Growth Strategy. Oversight, implementation, and monitoring of sustainability responsibilities are clearly allocated across the board of directors, the executive committee, and dedicated sustainability teams at Group and regional level.

SIPEF board of directors

SIPEF's board of directors holds ultimate responsibility for the design and oversight of the Group’s Balanced Growth Strategy. This includes oversight of SIPEF’s sustainability strategy and its material sustainability matters. The board approves sustainability policies and reviews the results of the Group’s impacts, risks, and opportunities (IROs) and double materiality assessments.

SIPEF executive committee

The executive committee is responsible for the implementation of the Group’s Balanced Growth Strategy and SIPEF’s sustainability strategy, and for overseeing sustainability reporting at Group level. It provides overall leadership and direction to the global teams based in Belgium, Singapore, and Luxembourg.

Global teams

The delivery of the Balanced Growth Strategy is coordinated at Group level by the global teams located in Belgium, Singapore, and Luxembourg, covering finance, legal, marketing, information technology, operational management, sustainability, and human resources strategy. These teams are responsible for coordinating implementation efforts across the Group, as well as for monitoring progress and reporting thereon.

Regional teams

At operational level, regional executive committees in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire oversee local teams and day-to-day operations within their respective jurisdictions and report directly to SIPEF’s executive committee at Group level. The regional teams at subsidiary level are responsible for operational execution, including human resources matters relating to employees and contractors, and for implementing the Balanced Growth Strategy for SIPEF’s palm operations in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea and its banana operations in Côte d'Ivoire.

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 non-governmental organisations (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 HCVN 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.