MSPO-ASSC deal to drive demand for Malaysia’s sustainable palm oil in Japan

The Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO), formerly the Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan’s Global Alliance for Sustainable Supply Chain (ASSC) to boost demand and expand market access for MSPO-certified palm oil across Japan’s premium industrial sectors.

According to a statement from the Plantation and Commodities Ministry, the collaboration is significant in Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen the global positioning of its sustainable palm oil industry.

“This partnership is expected to unlock new opportunities in Japan’s high-value industries and enhance Malaysia’s presence in global sustainable supply chains,” the statement said.

The partnership positions the MSPO at the centre of Japan’s sustainable procurement ecosystem, providing Malaysian producers with direct access to buyers who prioritise responsible sourcing, the ministry said.

Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said: “This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in Malaysia’s efforts to champion sustainable palm oil on the global stage. It reflects growing international recognition of MSPO as a credible and inclusive certification that meets the highest environmental and social standards.

“At its core, MSPO is not just about markets, it is about people. This collaboration opens up real opportunities for our smallholders, empowers our workers, and uplifts rural communities by ensuring that their palm oil can reach high-value, sustainability-conscious markets like Japan,” he said.

The ministry said the partnership builds on the outcome of a comprehensive human rights impact assessment (HRIA) conducted in 2023 by Ajinomoto Co Inc and ASSC which validated the MSPO framework as robust, inclusive and well-aligned with international expectations, particularly in safeguarding smallholder livelihoods and protecting workers’ rights.

“ASSC will serve as a core knowledge and advocacy partner for MSPO in Japan, helping to build industry awareness, influence procurement decisions, and drive the adoption of certified sustainable palm oil in one of the world’s most quality-conscious markets,” the statement said.

Tags: demand, Memorandum of Understanding, smallholders, Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil, Global Alliance for Sustainable Supply Chain, palm oil, Japan