World's largest palm oil trader criticised for lack of progress on deforestation

Wilmar claims it has made 'significant progress' but campaigners and experts say more is needed to prevent forest clearance or human rights abuses

The world's largest palm oil processor and trader used the Davos gathering of business leaders as an opportunity to talk up progress on its efforts to tackle deforestation in the palm oil sector.

Singapore-headquartered Wilmar says it has made "significant progress" on a commitment it made two years ago to eliminate deforestation, exploitation and peatland development from its supply chain. This includes publishing a list of crude palm oil mill sources that supply its refineries, enabling greater transparency along the company's supply chain.