The Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO), formerly known as the Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council, has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Japan’s Global Alliance for Sustainable Supply Chain (ASSC) aimed at strengthening market access and demand for MSPO-certified palm oil across Japan’s premium industrial sectors.
The collaboration, announced by Malaysia’s Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, is a significant step towards bolstering the country’s global standing in the sustainable palm oil sector. It underscores Malaysia’s strategic intent to align its industry with international sustainability benchmarks while capitalising on opportunities within high-value markets.
According to the ministry, this partnership positions MSPO at the heart of Japan’s sustainable procurement ecosystem, offering Malaysian producers direct channels to discerning buyers who place a premium on ethical and environmentally responsible sourcing.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani described the agreement as a major milestone in Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to elevate the global profile of its sustainable palm oil.
“This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in Malaysia’s efforts to champion sustainable palm oil on the global stage. It reflects growing international recognition of MSPO as a credible and inclusive certification that meets the highest environmental and social standards,” he stated.
Johari further highlighted the broader social and economic impact of the initiative. “At its core, MSPO is not just about markets, it is about people. This collaboration opens up real opportunities for our smallholders, empowers our workers, and uplifts rural communities by ensuring that their palm oil can reach high-value, sustainability-conscious markets like Japan.”
The foundation of the partnership was laid following a comprehensive human rights impact assessment (HRIA) conducted in 2023 by Ajinomoto Co Inc and ASSC. The study validated the MSPO certification framework as robust and inclusive, particularly in its focus on safeguarding smallholder livelihoods and upholding workers’ rights.
As part of the agreement, ASSC will act as a key knowledge and advocacy partner for MSPO in Japan. Its role will involve raising industry awareness, influencing procurement strategies, and facilitating the integration of certified sustainable palm oil into one of the world’s most demanding and quality-sensitive markets.
-Bernama
