Recently, Proya Cosmetics Co., Ltd.’s Huzhou branch, known as the Proya Skincare Factory, has recently secured the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Supply Chain Certification under the Mass Balance (MB) model. This achievement represents a key milestone in Proya’s ongoing dedication to sustainable development.

Palm oil is the most widely produced, consumed, and traded vegetable oil globally, serving as a key ingredient or additive in food, cosmetics, and other products. However, large-scale palm oil production often leads to extensive deforestation of tropical rainforests and land clearing, causing ecological damage. The RSPO certification guarantees that palm oil, palm kernel oil, and their derivatives are produced in a sustainable way, minimizing environmental impact. Proya is well aware of the significant environmental and social impacts of its procurement practices, the company is dedicated to evaluating its responsibilities throughout the entire value chain while maintaining a strong commitment to the responsible sourcing of raw materials. Additionally, we will closely monitor and manage the trade of RSPO-certified palm oil products throughout the entire supply chain at a management level to ensure compliance with the required standards.

Proya's RSPO Supply Chain Certification (Certified by Bureau Veritas)

Join the RSPO Boost Sustainable Palm Oil Procurement

In April 2023, Proya officially became a member of the RSPO. By July, the report Progress on Palm Oil Sustainability in China - A Collection of Case Studies from RSPO Members in China was released at the China Sustainable Palm Oil Forum and the 7th RSPO China Forum, Proya’s progress in sustainable palm oil practices was showcased as one of the 10 highlighted case studies.

Proya Membership Details (Source: RSPO Website)

Proya Case Study Page (Source: Progress on Palm Oil Sustainability in China - A Collection of Case Studies from RSPO Members in China)

As the world’s second-largest importer and third-largest consumer of palm oil, China plays a crucial role in the sustainable transformation of the palm oil supply chain. While Proya does not directly use palm oil in its product manufacturing, some of the raw materials contain palm oil products. As a result, the company proactively manages its palm oil products and prioritizes sourcing RSPO-certified palm oil derivatives to enhance product sustainability and reduce environmental impact. In 2023, Proya began implementing a sustainable palm oil traceability system within its operations. This initiative includes optimizing Proya’s supplier network by prioritizing collaboration with large suppliers known for strong ESG management practices and holding RSPO certification. This shift ensures sustainability at the very source of the supply chain. As a result of these efforts, by 2023, 40.40% of Proya’s purchased palm oil derivatives were RSPO-certified by category, while RSPO-certified palm oil accounted for 15.93% of total purchases by weight.

Share Sustainable Palm Oil Development  Adjust Strategic Goal

Recently, Proya Chairman Hou Junchen participated in an exclusive interview with the RSPO. During the interview, Mr. Hou discussed Proya’s journey towards sustainable palm oil development and extended heartfelt congratulations on the RSPO’s 20thanniversary. As a prominent member of RSPO in China, Proya’s partnership with the organization will further advance its progress in sustainable palm oil initiatives.

RSPO and Proya——An Interview with Chairman Hou Juncheng

Proya has recently updated its Sustainable Development Strategic Plan (2022-2025), refining its goal for RSPO-certified palm oil. Initially, the company aimed for over 70% of its sourced palm oil derivatives to be RSPO-certified and sought to improve palm oil traceability in its supply chain during the planning period. However, after internal review and expert consultations, Proya has shifted to a more realistic goal based on procurement weight rather than product category. This adjustment ensures that Proya can meet its targets. Furthermore, Proya has clarified that the RSPO’s Annual Communication of Progress (ACOP) report must include the weight of purchased palm oil derivatives. RSPO members are required to submit these reports annually. These reports are crucial for monitoring and assessing RSPO members' progress in producing and consuming 100% RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil and products.

As a consumer goods manufacturer, Proya sees product sustainability as the driving force behind its long-term business success and as a foundation for its ongoing environmental and social contributions. To ensure business sustainability, Proya is committed to driving a sustainable transformation across its operations, production processes, and the entire product lifecycle, offering consumers more eco-friendly options. The company believes that its lasting prosperity comes from aligning its business interests with those of society and the environment, fulfilling its social and environmental responsibilities, and pursuing sustainable development. As the saying goes, "Great goals are achieved through small, consistent efforts." With this mindset, Proya will continue to forge ahead on its path of sustainability for a brighter future.