RSPO Recognizes SCS as First Accredited Certification Body based in North America

SCS Global Services (SCS) announced that it has officially earned accreditation as a third-party certifier under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) program. SCS is the first RSPO-accredited certifier headquartered in North America, and only the second in the Americas. SCS has received accreditation to certify supply chains (SCCS), with pending accreditation to certify palm oil plantations and mills (P&C). SCS’ first RSPO certificate was awarded to Vermont Soap, a well-known soap manufacturer based in Middlebury, Vermont.

“With the growing use of palm oil in everyday items such as packaged foods, cosmetics, and household detergents, it is essential to use palm oil products that are responsibly produced,” said Matt Rudolf, SCS’ RSPO Program Manager, and a long-time RSPO and sustainable biofuels expert. “SCS is proud to be working with the RSPO standard, and looks forward to helping promote the use of sustainable palm oil around the world. We’re dedicated to setting a new high bar in audit quality and service.”

Hilde Whalley, Chief of Operations at Vermont Soap USA, describes environmental responsibility as “a cornerstone of our corporate culture,” and said the company is excited to be RSPO certified. “Our RSPO certification allows us to provide hard documentation to our white label clients and our brand’s customers that only certified sustainably harvested palm oil is used in bar soaps manufactured at Vermont Soap. Working with SCS was an excellent experience; they led us through the certification process in a thorough, professional and timely manner.”

A new webpage for the RSPO program has been launched on the SCS website in both English and Spanish. For more information about certification or to obtain free price quote for services, contact Matt Rudolf at: [email protected]

About SCS

SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party quality, environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, power generation, retail, and more. In addition to its Emeryville, California, headquarters operation, SCS has affiliate offices in Latin America, Asia/Pacific, Europe and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to many environmental NGOs due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a chartered benefit corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices.