Understanding Kellogg's Palm Oil Sourcing
Yes, Kellogg's does use palm oil in many of its products, but the company's sourcing practices have become a critical area of focus over the last decade. The use of palm oil by major food producers like Kellogg's has been a subject of intense scrutiny due to its link with deforestation, habitat destruction, and human rights concerns in key production regions. In response to this public pressure, Kellogg's has progressively strengthened its commitments to more responsible sourcing.
The Shift to Sustainable Palm Oil
In 2011, amid increasing criticism, Kellogg's made a commitment to support greener palm oil production by purchasing 'sustainable' palm oil certificates. This initial step marked the beginning of a long-term strategy to address the environmental and social impacts of its supply chain. The company later announced a global commitment in 2014 to source deforestation-free palm oil, expanding on its previous efforts.
By 2020, Kellogg's had made significant strides, reporting that 83% of its palm oil volumes were physically certified through the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). This shift represented a move away from relying solely on purchasing credits towards using physically segregated or mass balance certified material. In 2025, the company has a goal to achieve 100% physically certified palm oil.
Types of RSPO Certification
The RSPO, an organization that promotes sustainable palm oil production, offers different types of certification that companies can use to meet their sustainability goals. Kellogg's has used a combination of these methods:
- Segregated (SG): Palm oil from different certified sources is kept separate throughout the supply chain. This is the most traceable and reliable form of certification.
- Mass Balance (MB): Certified sustainable palm oil is mixed with conventional (uncertified) palm oil in a controlled environment. The volume of certified oil is tracked to ensure the company only sells what it has purchased.
- RSPO Credits: Companies purchase credits from certified growers to support sustainable production, but the physical palm oil used in their products may not be certified. In 2020, Kellogg's announced plans to phase out the use of credits to improve transparency.
Comparison of Kellogg's Palm Oil Strategy
To better understand Kellogg's commitment, it is helpful to compare its approach with that of other major consumer brands that also use palm oil. The following table highlights key differences and similarities in how companies are approaching sustainable sourcing.
| Feature | Kellogg's | Nestlé | Ferrero | Unilever |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSPO Membership | Member since 2009 | Member since 2004 | Member | Member |
| Current Sourcing Goal | 100% physically certified by 2025 | 100% traceable and responsible sourcing | 100% certified segregated palm oil | Aims for 100% certified sustainable palm oil |
| Commitment Type | Moves toward physical certification (SG/MB) and away from credits | Emphasizes traceability and satellite monitoring | Uses segregated supply for full traceability | Uses a mix of physical and credit systems |
| Supply Chain Transparency | Collaborates with organizations like Proforest and KnownSources to increase traceability | Publicly discloses its supply chain map | Known for high level of segregation and traceability | Active in improving traceability but faces challenges |
| Criticism Received | Faced criticism for slow progress and historical sourcing issues | Has faced significant backlash for sourcing issues | Generally considered a leader in sustainable sourcing | Has faced scrutiny but is seen as a leader in sustainability |
The Path to Full Traceability
Kellogg's, through its international parent company Kellanova, is actively working towards full traceability in its supply chain. The company has engaged with traceability tools and third-party organizations to monitor its suppliers and address identified risks. While this process is complex and ongoing, it demonstrates a move beyond simple certification towards genuine supply chain transparency. This includes monitoring for issues like deforestation and human rights abuses, which have historically plagued the palm oil industry. For instance, following reports of sourcing from a controversial Indonesian supplier, Kellogg's suspended business with them in 2023, showing its commitment to act on discovered violations.
The Role of Advocacy and Consumer Pressure
Kellogg's journey toward more responsible palm oil sourcing was significantly influenced by external pressure. Campaigns led by environmental organizations like Greenpeace and actions by concerned individuals, such as the two sisters in 2018, have played a crucial role. These efforts put the company's practices under a spotlight and prompted stronger, more defined sustainability goals. This highlights the power of consumer awareness and advocacy in driving corporate change toward ethical and sustainable practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Kellogg's does use palm oil in its products, the company has made a significant and public commitment to sourcing it responsibly. The company's strategy has evolved from using credits to increasingly relying on physically certified and traceable palm oil through the RSPO. Kellogg's has also demonstrated a willingness to disengage from suppliers found to be violating its sustainability standards. While challenges remain and critics continue to scrutinize the effectiveness of certification schemes, Kellogg's has moved towards a more transparent and accountable system in response to consumer demand and environmental concerns. Consumers seeking to support sustainable palm oil can look for companies that prioritize full traceability and robust certification, which Kellogg's continues to work towards. You can learn more about Kellanova's sustainability efforts on their official website: Kellanova Better Days Promise.
