WASHINGTON (July 27, 2015) – Cosmetic giant Avon pledged today to only buy palm oil, an ingredient in its products, that has not contributed to deforestation in the tropical regions where it’s grown. Avon’s “Palm Oil Promise” has the potential to be one of the strongest palm oil commitments in the personal care sector to date, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
When UCS scored the palm oil sourcing policies of 40 top companies in April, Avon came in towards the bottom of the list; of ten personal care companies analyzed, Avon scored second-to-last. Avon’s Palm Oil Promise, released today, places the company among corporations like L’Oréal that are transforming the industry.
Below is a statement by Lael Goodman, analyst with UCS’s Tropical Forest & Climate Initiative:
“With its promise today, Avon committed to buying palm oil that protects tropical forests, our climate and endangered species’ habitat.
“The company's actions will increase the demand for deforestation-free palm oil. By requiring that any palm oil supplier from which Avon sources meets these requirements, these companies will in turn be required to ensure their palm oil operations across the board—will be free of deforestation and peatland destruction.
“Once Avon announces a timeline for this promise, consumers will be much closer to being able to lather on their Avon, Anew, Skin So Soft and Mark products with the knowledge that the palm oil in these products doesn’t contribute to deforestation and climate change.”