From collaboration to impact: Key themes from ASD’s mid-year meeting in Paris

More than 30 representatives from across the Action for Sustainable Derivatives (ASD) membership gathered in Paris this month for the initiative’s annual in-person gathering, bringing together sustainability leaders, technical experts and supply chain practitioners to reflect on progress, share experiences and help shape ASD’s future direction.

As ASD continues to grow and evolve, the discussions highlighted an important shift taking place across both ASD and the wider sustainability landscape. While transparency, traceability and responsible sourcing remain fundamental, the focus is increasingly turning towards how collective action can deliver measurable impact, strengthen resilience and help members navigate an increasingly complex operating environment.

A recurring theme throughout the meeting was the evolution of ASD itself. Since launching in 2019 with 19 members, the initiative has grown to more than 40 organisations representing a diverse range of companies across the palm derivatives value chain. With that growth comes an opportunity to define more clearly what ASD membership means, what Members can expect from one another, and how the organisation can continue supporting companies at different stages of their sustainability journeys.

Discussions explored the concept of the ‘ASD Member Journey’, examining both the value that members derive from participation and the responsibilities that come with being part of a collaborative initiative. Members reflected on the importance of knowledge sharing, collective problem solving, transparency and peer learning, while also considering how ASD can continue to raise ambition and drive progress across its membership.

Measuring impact is all important

Another significant area of focus was the development of a more structured framework for measuring impact. Members worked through proposed key performance indicators designed to help track progress against ASD’s long-term vision of a palm derivatives supply chain that is environmentally resilient, respects human rights and supports smallholder livelihoods, and remains future-oriented through collaboration and transparency.

The discussions reflected a broader recognition that demonstrating progress is becoming increasingly important. As sustainability expectations evolve, organisations are being asked not only to make commitments, but also to show evidence of outcomes. Developing meaningful ways to measure collective progress therefore represents an important next step for ASD and its members.

From visibility to action

A significant portion of the meeting focused on how ASD’s transparency, monitoring and engagement workstreams can continue evolving to support Members in an increasingly complex sustainability landscape. While traceability and supply chain visibility remain essential, discussions centred on how information can be used more effectively to identify risks, strengthen due diligence and support meaningful action across supply chains.

Members explored future priorities for ASD’s transparency work, including enhanced supplier monitoring capabilities, improved reporting functionality and stronger integration across the initiative’s various workstreams. The emphasis was not simply on gathering more data, but on ensuring that data supports better decision-making and more effective engagement throughout the supply chain.

Particular attention was given to developments in ASD’s deforestation monitoring tools. Members reviewed enhancements that utilise Nusantara Atlas data to identify higher-risk mills and provide earlier warning of potential deforestation events. Proposed updates to sourcing-radius analysis were also discussed, helping to create a more accurate picture of supply chain exposure and strengthen risk assessment capabilities.

The meeting also examined recent improvements to ASD’s grievance management process. Discussions highlighted stronger evidence requirements, more targeted approaches to collective engagement and new mechanisms for information sharing between Members. Participants explored how ASD can continue supporting companies in developing robust grievance management systems, engaging suppliers constructively and supporting effective remediation where issues are identified.

Alongside these operational discussions, Members received an update on the evolving regulatory landscape, including developments relating to EUDR, CSDDD and EmpCo. While implementation timelines and regulatory requirements continue to evolve, the discussions reinforced that expectations around traceability, due diligence and substantiated sustainability claims continue to increase. Practical examples demonstrated how ASD’s existing tools, data and collaborative approaches can help Members navigate these emerging requirements.

The session concluded with a forward-looking discussion on supply chain engagement and market transformation. Members considered how ASD can build on its collaborative model to deepen supplier engagement beyond traditional compliance activities, exploring new approaches that encourage participation, reduce reporting fatigue and support continuous improvement throughout the value chain.

A message was clear: sustainability is increasingly being viewed through the lens of business resilience. Climate volatility, regulatory evolution, market uncertainty and shifting stakeholder expectations are creating new challenges for companies operating global supply chains. Building resilient, transparent and adaptable systems is therefore becoming as much a business imperative as a sustainability objective.

The meeting concluded with updates on ASD’s positive impact projects, including the next phase of the Kaleka Mosaik Initiative in Indonesia, ASD’s ongoing work to strengthen respect for human rights in palm supply chains, and progress from the IRDF Coconut Field Project in the Philippines. These initiatives continue to demonstrate how collective investment and collaboration can translate into tangible benefits for people, communities and landscapes in sourcing regions.

The value of community

Perhaps the strongest takeaway from the in-person meeting was that ASD’s strength lies not simply in the tools it provides, but in the community it has built. As sustainability challenges become increasingly interconnected and complex, the value of bringing organisations together to share knowledge, align approaches and tackle common challenges collectively continues to grow.

The conversations in Paris reflected an initiative that is not standing still. ASD is evolving alongside its Members, continually refining its approach to ensure it remains relevant, practical and focused on creating lasting impact across the palm derivatives supply chain.