How we work Supply and Market Transformation
Building a stronger collective voice for derivatives users
Many of the environmental and social challenges within palm derivatives supply chains cannot be addressed by downstream companies working individually.
ASD aims to create a unified voice of influence for derivatives users and a platform for engaging the wider sector towards the common goal of securing NDPE-compliant and regulatory-compliant supplies.
That means working directly with suppliers and other influential supply chain actors, while ensuring the particular challenges of palm derivatives are represented in wider industry discussions.
In 2025, eight members used the SPI to evaluate 138 suppliers.
Influencing change across the supply chain
A central part of ASD's approach is creating greater consistency in how suppliers are assessed and engaged.
The Sustainable Palm Index (SPI) provides a common framework for evaluating direct and indirect palm derivative suppliers and engaging them on responsible sourcing practices. Rather than numerous companies making different requests of the same suppliers, the aim is to streamline the process and create clearer expectations, giving suppliers greater opportunity to focus resources on improvement.
ASD also engages traders and vertically integrated companies. These businesses can provide important leverage points because of their visibility and influence further upstream, creating opportunities to improve transparency, strengthen grievance management and explore more coordinated supply chain approaches.
Alongside this, ASD works with organisations including RSPO and peer initiatives to promote greater alignment across the palm sector. This includes supporting the robustness of the Mass Balance certification model, engaging on human rights and NDPE implementation, and ensuring the realities of derivatives supply chains are reflected in broader discussions.
ASD also helps members understand regulatory developments and how the collaboration's tools can complement their own due diligence. In 2025, for example, ASD reviewed its activities against the OECD Due Diligence Framework to clarify how its different methodologies can support members' individual approaches.
Key activities include:
Supporting members in understanding key regulatory developments
Evaluating suppliers through the Sustainable Palm Index
Engaging traders and other influential supply chain actors
Engaging RSPO on the Mass Balance certification model and other priorities
Participating in relevant human rights and NDPE discussions
Further examples of ASD's supplier and sector engagement can be found in the 2025 Annual Update on Progress.
Add your voice to the collaboration
Greater alignment gives derivatives users more influence across the supply chain. Join ASD in engaging suppliers, traders and the wider palm sector to accelerate responsible sourcing.