Water, chemicals and waste
We regularly monitor air and water quality on all our estates and take measures to protect freshwater resources and surrounding ecosystems.
We only build our mills in areas where there is sufficient water availability to meet operational needs. Our plantations are not irrigated, and our mills obtain water from surface water, rainfall reservoirs and rainwater harvesting.
Riparian reserves are established and maintained along watercourses and water bodies, with natural vegetation protected and restored where possible. We follow national regulations and the RSPO Manual on Best Management Practices for the Management and Rehabilitation of Riparian Reserves. These measures help protect water quality and strengthen resilience to flooding and drought.
We manage pests, diseases, weeds and invasive non-native species through integrated pest management (IPM), minimising or eliminating pesticide use where possible. Beneficial host plants are established along estate roads to attract natural predators of leaf pests. These predators help control pest populations and reduce the need for chemical spraying.
Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is not discharged into rivers or natural waterways. It is utilised for biogas production and land application. POME is treated to reduce biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) before being used for land application and is regularly monitored to ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements.
All other organic waste from our mills is also put to productive use. Empty fruit bunches are used for composting, while palm-kernel shells and mesocarp fibre are used as to fuel boilers in our palm oil mills, substantially reducing diesel consumption. Palm-kernel shells that are surplus to the Group’s energy requirements are sold as renewable biomass fuel, generating additional revenue while supporting the transition to renewable energy beyond the Group’s own operations.
We generate relatively small quantities of hazardous waste, which are stored in dedicated facilities designed to prevent spills and contamination before being transported to government-mandated treatment facilities. Hazardous waste is carefully recorded and monitored and reported to the relevant environmental authorities in accordance with applicable requirements.
Updated August 2026
The Group produces compost from empty bunches, a waste product in its mills. Using compost reduces the need for inorganic fertilisers and helps the Group in its aim to minimise the use of organic and inorganic chemicals, including pesticides. We use integrated pest management to control pests on our plantations. Beneficial host plants are planted alongside estate roads to attract predators (insects) of leaf pests. The predators feed on leaf pest larvae thus reducing the need for chemical spraying. We do not use any chemicals listed under the Rotterdam or Stockholm Conventions on any of our estates.
We produce small quantities of hazardous waste, which is housed in dedicated storage to ensure no spillage, before it is sent to be treated at government mandated treatment facilities. Hazardous waste is carefully recorded and monitored, as well as being reported to the local environmental agency. Organic and inorganic waste is collected and treated separately.
Updated March 2024
Sustainability report
Read about our focus on the environment, sustainable palm-oil production and social impact.
Community
Superlative smallholder schemes with medical care provided on the plantation.