Palm Oil and SDGs: The role of certification and communication

Palm Oil and SDGs
The role of certification and communication

This year, once again, the Italian Union for Sustainable Palm Oil took part in the Sustainable Development Festival promoted by ASviS (Italian Alliance for Sustainable Development), with an online event on 6 October (3.00 – 4.30 pm). The aim of this event was to increase knowledge and raise awareness on sustainable development themes relating to the palm oil supply chain, and to share and stimulate ideas and policies in line with the 2030 Agenda.

The theme of sustainable certification was discussed, together with its role in guaranteeing continuously developing proactive activities and improvements in the system and in impacts. Experts provided an overview of the Italian market and its critical concerns, along with a discussion of possible communication initiatives designed to promote greater awareness on the part of all stakeholders and more responsible behaviour on the part of companies and consumers.

Understanding the reasons behind consumer behaviour and, in particular, how to intervene to promote more sustainable choices is becoming more and more important in today’s market. Also  presented and discussed at the event were the results of the research project conducted by EngageMinds Hub – Consumer, Food & Health Engagement Research Center of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, which addressed the theme of palm oil through the lens of consumer psychology, offering useful insights to encourage better informed and more responsible choices.

Contacts

Sara Orsenigo, Italian Union for Sustainable Palm Oil Press Office
E-mail: ufficiostampa@oliodipalmasostenibile.it

Proceedings were moderated by Professor Carlo Alberto Pratesi (Roma Tre University, President of EIIS – European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability)

Speakers:

• Francesca Morgante, Sr Manager, Europe ( Market Transformation) Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil RSPO;
• Michela Coli, Head of certification schemes BIO 848/18, Equivalence with EU and RSPO – ICEA (Institute for Ethical and Environmental Certification);
• Guendalina Graffigna, PHD, Full Professor; Director of EngageMinds Hub – Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore;
• Michele Antonio Fino, Professor, Università Scienze Gastronomiche;
• Michelle Desilets, Executive Director of Orangutan Land Trust;
  
• Monica Tommasi, President, Amici della Terra Onlus;
  
• Tiziana Toto, Head of consumer policies – Cittadinanzattiva.
  

SIMULTANEOUS TRANSLATION ENGLISH – ITALIAN  AVAILABLE