Food manufacturers join coalition to fight deforestation

There are 17 global consumer goods brands, retailers and manufacturers that have pledged to work to help remove deforestation, forest degradation and support conversion from the key commodity supply chains of palm oil, soy, and paper, pulp and fibre-based packaging. 

The scheme, launched by the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), aims to engage with suppliers and traders to ask that they implement Forest Positive actions across their entire commodity operations. 

The scheme comes as the UK Government proposed legislation that would see food firms face fines if they use products such as cocoa, soy and palm oil grown on land subject to illegal deforestation.

Earlier this year WWF, the conservation organisation, called for imported food products that destroy natural habitats to be made illegal as part of its campaign called ‘Let’s get deforestation #OffOurPlates’.

Forest conservation

The coalition will also join forces to address forest conservation challenges in key production landscapes and encourage governments to create an environment for forest conservation. 

As part of their commitments, members of the coalition will work  with governments – both in producer nations and importing nations – to encourage them to put in place practical measures to support a forest positive future. 

Grant Reid, president & ceo, Mars and CGF Board Co-Sponsor of the Forest Positive Coalition, said: “We believe forest protection is a driver of economic growth, not a sacrifice to growth. Forest protection provides healthy ecosystems and supports productive landscapes and resilient communities. In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, we must ensure that efforts to protect forests are part of the global response. 

End deforestation

“This response requires all actors with an interest in ending deforestation and who are committed to being part of the solution to come together”.

Wai-Chan Chan, managing director of The Consumer Goods Forum said: “We are also bringing a variety of voices to the table to ensure we engage from the get-go and effectively listen to the concerns of those fighting to mainstream the issue of deforestation and who support nature-based, innovative solutions. We are in this fight together.”