SD Guthrie Bhd (SDG) has long been at the forefront of sustainable palm oil production, shaping the industry’s best practices through its commitment to climate action, conservation, human rights and responsible sourcing.

As one of the world’s largest sustainable palm oil plantation companies, SDG oversees the entire palm oil value chain — from cultivating oil palm on responsibly managed plantations to refining, processing and distributing high-quality palm oil products worldwide. This end-to-end control ensures superior traceability, sustainability and quality assurance at every stage, from seed to finished product.

At the heart of SDG’s sustainability strategy is the Beyond Zero framework — a bold commitment to not only achieving a fully traceable, deforestation-free supply chain but also driving meaningful positive change. The three pillars of the framework — Zero, Restore and Transform — focus on driving credible positive impacts and creating long-term value for stakeholders. Beyond Zero reflects SDG’s holistic approach to sustainability, eliminating negative impacts (Zero) while actively restoring and transforming (Restore and Transform) ecosystems and the lives of communities. Anchored in industry-leading certifications and compliance with global regulations, including the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), Beyond Zero serves as SDG’s blueprint for a regenerative and ethical palm oil industry.

The Beyond Zero framework goes beyond a collection of corporate sustainability commitments — it is a transformational shift in the way palm oil is cultivated and processed. Its key focus areas include:

As SDG advances its sustainability journey, its initiatives not only set industry standards but also establish the company as a low-risk, future-proof investment.

While SDG sets the industry standard in sustainability, its downstream arm, SD Guthrie International (SDGI), is responsible for translating these commitments into tangible market advantages. Through its Not All Palm Oil Is Created Equal campaign, SDGI is reshaping perceptions around sustainable palm oil and reinforcing its differentiation in the marketplace.

Launched in 2023, the campaign is designed to create awareness among buyers and businesses on the superiority of SDGI’s Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO). The campaign has already gained traction, boosting SDGI’s brand perception by 39% in Europe and expanding to the Asia Pacific region in 2024. Through strategic partnerships, SDGI works with global food brands to develop tailored, sustainably sourced solutions that align with regulatory and consumer demands.

SDGI aims to provide customers with sustainable, high-quality palm oil products that meet the highest industry standards. Through its various initiatives, the company enables businesses to make responsible sourcing decisions that benefit both their consumers and the planet.

For corporate decision-makers, navigating an increasingly regulated landscape is a priority. With EUDR compliance on the way to becoming a legal requirement, companies sourcing palm oil will need to secure deforestation-free supply chains to avoid financial penalties and reputational damage. SDGI has already delivered its first fully EUDR-compliant shipment ahead of schedule, reinforcing its position as a trusted supplier.

Key advantages for businesses sourcing from SDGI include:

For businesses seeking ethically sourced palm oil, SDGI offers a market-leading solution that ensures compliance without compromising quality, food safety, or operational efficiency.

Through its Innovation Centres in South Africa, the Netherlands and Malaysia, SDGI is at the cutting edge of product innovation - developing tailored formulations that cater to both regulatory and consumer demands. By collaborating with leading food brands, SDGI helps its clients create superior, sustainable food products that comply with stringent EU and halal certifications.

Moreover, SDG’s control over its fully integrated palm oil value chain guarantees consistent product quality. Therefore, businesses sourcing from SDGI, which is the group’s downstream arm, gain access to:

Today’s consumers are increasingly conscious of sustainability, and SDGI’s certified sustainable palm oil allows businesses to align with these expectations while securing a reliable, high-quality product for their supply chain.

As global demand for sustainable products grows, businesses must align their supply chains with ethical, traceable and regulatory-compliant sourcing. SDGI’s CSPO is not only a responsible choice — it is a strategic advantage.

“For businesses navigating an increasingly regulated landscape, SDGI’s fully traceable, EUDR-compliant CSPO offers a future-proof sourcing solution. Contact us today to explore how our sustainability leadership can benefit your brand,” says SDGI CEO Dr Shariman Alwani, who was appointed to helm the downstream palm oil outfit in September last year.

With Beyond Zero as the sustainability backbone and its many marketing and innovation initiatives, SDG and SDGI are not just selling palm oil — they are shaping the future of sustainable sourcing. Businesses that choose SDGI are not merely aligning with best practices; they are investing in a greener, more responsible future.