Who is POFCAP?
On August 19, 2017 (International Orangutan Day), the world’s first government approved Palm Oil Free Certification Trademark (POFCAP) was launched in Australia.
Fast forward 2 years and POFCAP are now approved to certify Palm Oil Free products in 20 countries with more applications pending in other countries.
80% of palm oil is still being sourced unsustainably
POFCAP Aims
Two of POFCAP’s aims are to assist consumers who wish to avoid palm oil for allergy, dietary or ethical reasons when shopping for genuine, independently assessed palm oil free products and to distribute 100% of the profits to POFCAP’s Partner NGOs working to protect rainforests.
POFCAP certification is product based not company based. This means that a company who makes both products containing palm oil and also palm oil free products can apply to have the palm oil free products in their portfolio assessed.
Why a certification programme?
Consumer demand for a palm oil free certification trademark was the driving force behind the motivation to research, develop and trademark the certification process that has evolved over the past 8 years.
What do you actually know about palm oil? With over 80% of palm oil being produced unsustainably the concerns surrounding the impact on rainforests, wildlife and the climate crisis has seen many more people seeking products which are genuinely palm oil free, but, unless the product has been assessed by an independent and approved certification programme it is almost impossible to tell which palm oil free claims are correct as many are not.
And in case you were wondering….
Jabrick – the cheeky little orangutan featured on the certification trademark who was herself a victim of deforestation will soon be seen on packaging globally.
