The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and FONAP (Forum Nachhaltiges Palmöl e.V.) have reached a new milestone in their cooperation as they enter into reciprocal membership, reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing the sustainable production and consumption of palm oil in Germany and globally.
FONAP was founded in Berlin on November 11, 2015, as a multi-stakeholder initiative and has grown into a strong alliance for sustainable palm oil, bringing together companies, civil society, and political actors.
Today, FONAP has around 55 members and undertakes a range of projects and partnerships along the palm oil supply chain, including certification improvements and on-the-ground activities in producer countries.
As part of this strengthened partnership, RSPO has joined FONAP as a member and is actively contributing to FONAP’s thematic working groups.
At the same time, FONAP has joined RSPO as an Environmental NGO under Ordinary Membership, with a particular focus on supporting and implementing projects on the ground.
This reciprocal membership, announced on January 15, 2026, will enable closer collaboration, regular exchange, and joint activities for the benefit of both organisations’ members.
Largest RSPO membership base in Europe
Germany plays a central role in the European palm oil market and within RSPO. With more than 400 members, Germany hosts the largest RSPO membership base in Europe.
Certification and Trademark figures are also notable, with 623 RSPO-Certified supply chain facilities in the country and over RSPO Trademark Licences.
Beyond these numbers, German stakeholders have consistently contributed valuable ideas and feedback that have helped shape RSPO’s work in recent years.
As regulatory requirements evolve, the sustainable sourcing of palm oil, palm kernel oil, and their derivatives is becoming increasingly important, alongside continued support for smallholder farmers. RSPO is therefore pleased to join FONAP as a member and looks forward to further strengthening cooperation to support companies and advance sustainable palm oil supply chains, commented Francesca Morgante, RSPO Head Global Key Accounts and Market Transformation for Europe.
As an RSPO Ordinary member, FONAP will have voting rights at the RSPO General Assembly, opportunities to join RSPO committees as a representative of Environmental NGOs, and greater involvement in RSPO initiatives, including the annual European RSPO Members’ Meet Up, which is exclusive to RSPO Members to discuss the latest developments in the sector, as well as shared challenges and opportunities around regulation and communications.
The reciprocal membership of FONAP and RSPO will enable us to open a new chapter in our cooperation and work together to strengthen sustainable and resilient palm oil supply chains. In view of increasing global challenges, including advancing ecological risks such as climate change and biodiversity loss, we need more cooperation than ever before. Thus, we welcome the RSPO’s membership and look forward to working on existing hot spots and tackling new initiatives, said Sascha Tischer, Deputy Chairman of the FONAP Board.
