InfoSAWIT, KUALA LUMPUR – The UK has come under scrutiny in the latest report from Global Witness, which reveals its contribution to global tropical deforestation. Between November 2021 and December 2024, the UK is accused of causing the loss of 12,856 hectares of forest to meet the demand for livestock products from Brazil—an area equivalent to the size of Liverpool.
The report, cited by CSPO Watch on Friday, April 11, 2025, also disclosed deforestation linked to the UK’s demand for Brazilian soy (2,494 ha), palm oil from Papua New Guinea (6,727 ha), Indonesia (4,249 ha), and cocoa from Côte d'Ivoire (4,875 ha).
In response to these findings, UK Labour MP Anna Gelderd urged the government to expedite the implementation of robust environmental legislation. “We cannot remain silent. There needs to be real action in tracing supply chains and protecting human rights,” she asserted.
ISPO Expanded, All Palm Oil Industry Chains Required to Comply
Amid global scrutiny over deforestation issues, Indonesia is taking progressive steps by expanding the scope of the Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification. As of March 2025, ISPO will no longer only regulate the plantation sector but will also encompass downstream industries and palm oil-based bioenergy.
According to the latest regulations reviewed by InfoSAWIT, this requirement is mandatory. Article 2 states that plantation businesses, palm oil processing, and biodiesel production must all meet national sustainability standards. The government has also imposed strict sanctions on businesses that violate these regulations, ranging from written warnings to temporary suspensions of business activities.
Malaysia Introduces MSPO 2.0 in Response to EUDR
Malaysia has taken similar steps, with the government, through Minister of Plantation and Commodities Johari Ghani, launching the MSPO 2.0 standard as a commitment to sustainable palm oil practices. This standard will take effect on January 1, 2025, and sets a deforestation cut-off date: only land that has not been deforested after December 31, 2019, can be certified.
This policy also serves as a response to the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which is seen as burdensome for exporting countries, particularly smallholder farmers. Through these measures, both Indonesia and Malaysia are demonstrating their seriousness in addressing global criticism and promoting a transformation of the palm oil industry towards more responsible practices. (T2)
