Responsible Plantations Policy

Last revision adopted on November 22, 2019 by the Board of Directors

SIPEF is a plantation company that was established in 1919. The adoption and constant improvement of practices that have long-term positive impacts has been a central part of its identity for close to one hundred years.

Plantations form an integral part of the natural and social environments in which they operate. Their establishment and operations have social and environmental impacts, both positive and negative. Not all of these impacts are predictable.

• One significantly negative, and very visible, potential impact is deforestation. 
• Another, less visible, but also significant negative impact is the emission of methane by palm oil mill effluent.
• A significant positive impact of plantation development is the very large social and economic contribution to rural communities.

The Company believes that through cooperation with customers, social and environmental NGOs, producers,researchers and other willing stakeholders, they can together develop and promote the adoption of responsible and sustainable standards and practices for the industry.

In the oil palm sector, the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is the most relevant example of stakeholders gathering to establish a global, demanding standard.
For the other crops, the Sustainable Agriculture Standard (from the Sustainable Agriculture Network) is a reference. Compliance with the SAN is demonstrated by obtaining Rainforest Alliance certification.