RSPO Reaffirms Zero-Burning Policy for Palm Oil Production
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil maintains its strict stance against fire use amid ongoing forest fire concerns.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Organic Food
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The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against the use of fire in palm oil production. This commitment aims to mitigate recurring forest fires and regional haze issues throughout Southeast Asia.
Why it matters
The RSPO seeks to ensure sustainable production standards are upheld to prevent environmental degradation linked to land clearing practices. By enforcing these rules, the organization attempts to curb the impact of burning on local air quality and regional ecosystems.
Nusantara Atlas data indicates 1.9 million hectares of land burned in Indonesia between January and September 2026. Approximately 90 percent of that total occurred outside of registered oil palm concessions.
The players
Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil
This international non-profit association based in Zurich, Switzerland, manages global standards for sustainable palm oil production.
The details
The RSPO employs satellite monitoring tools, including FireWatch and Hotspot Hub, to track incidents and enforce compliance with its 2024 Principles and Criteria Standards. Companies found violating the zero-burning policy face sanctions ranging from mandatory corrective actions to full termination of their membership.
Timeline
From January to September 2026, 1.9 million hectares of land burned in Indonesia.
On October 30, 2026, the RSPO reiterated its zero-tolerance policy at a side event in Jakarta.
The RSPO Annual Roundtable Conference is scheduled for November 3-4, 2026, in Jakarta.
Culture Shift
This policy reiteration reinforces the enforcement mechanisms established under the RSPO 2024 Principles and Criteria Standards. It marks a continued effort by the industry to align production practices with global sustainability expectations and zero-burning requirements.
Consumers concerned with supply chain ethics can look for RSPO-certified products to support brands adhering to these zero-burning standards. Awareness of these certifications helps shoppers make purchasing decisions that align with efforts to reduce regional haze and forest loss.
The takeaway
The RSPO continues to rely on satellite surveillance to hold producers accountable for land management practices. Industry participants and stakeholders should monitor the upcoming conference for potential updates to enforcement strategies.
What happens next
The global palm oil sector is set to meet for the RSPO Annual Roundtable Conference (RT2026) in Jakarta on November 3-4, 2026, where further sustainability discussions will occur.
Further reading
Learn more about production standards by visiting the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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