Palm Oil is a plant-based raw material, which is derived from the pulp of the fruit of the oil palm tree, while Palm Kernel Oil is extracted from the seeds of the oil palm. It is typically found in food, cosmetic products, or used for energy. Due to the high yield of palm crops and the unique properties of its oil as a raw material for cosmetic ingredients, demand is steadily increasing. In the cosmetic industry, derivatives of Palm Kernel Oil can be part of the emulsifiers or surfactants that are needed for emulsions to provide the skin with enough oil and moisture.
Why Is Palm (Kernel) Oil Discussed in the Context of Sustainability?
Unfortunately, the high demand for Palm Oil has often led to deforestation and other unsustainable agricultural practices. Forests store CO2 naturally and effectively, and their steady destruction contributes significantly to climate change. We at Eucerin take this seriously and believe that to protect rainforests from deforestation, Palm Kernel Oil should only be obtained sustainably.
Do Eucerin Products Contain Palm Oil?
Yes, Eucerin products contain ingredients made from Palm Kernel Oil. However, since the end of 2020, 100% of these derivatives are sourced sustainably, according to the mass-balance standard of the RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil).
How Does Eucerin Promote the Sustainable Cultivation of Palm Oil?
For several years, we have been working closely with our suppliers to promote greater transparency in the supply chain and support efforts to establish and expand sustainable Palm Kernel Oil production.
Eucerin's parent company Beiersdorf, actively supports a sustainable Palm Kernel Oil economy that does not lead to the deforestation of rainforests. We are an active member of the Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and the Forum for Sustainable Palm Oil (FONAP), two groups that promote an end-to-end sustainable Palm Kernel Oil economy. The shared objectives of these groups are to increase transparency within the Palm Oil industry and promote its sustainable transformation. By the end of 2020, we had achieved our target of using only 100% sustainably certified Palm Kernel Oil and its derivatives. This means we only use sustainably sourced Palm Kernel Oil, based on the mass-balance model as defined by the RSPO.
Our efforts go even beyond our own procurement. For many years, we have partnered with NGOs and suppliers in order to support sustainable palm cultivation on the ground. By supporting smallholder farmers, for example, by providing high-quality seedlings and access to water, we not only help to improve agricultural practices but also generate positive social impact for local communities.
Progress Recognized by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), an international non-profit organization that recognizes strong performance in managing and reporting on key environmental topics, has already acknowledged our efforts.
Eucerin’s parent company, Beiersdorf, has been a participating member of the CDP since 2006. In 2021, we achieved an “A” score in the “Forest” category, in which we participated with our extensive “Palm Oil Program.”
