RSPO joins China Sustainable Retail Roundtable as an observer

The RSPO officially became an observer of the China Sustainable Retail Roundtable (CSRR) at this year’s CSRR Annual Meeting in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, on April 18, 2016. As an observer, the RPSO will work closely with retailers in China to develop a green supply chain and promote sustainable production and consumption on a national level.

CSRR is a voluntary non-profit multi-stakeholder initiative which brings together top retailers, consumer goods producers, NGOs, and academic institutions to share best management practices and promote sustainable production and consumption of key certified commodities. Jointly established by WWF and the China Chain Store & Franchise Association with 13 companies including RSPO members such as Ikea, Carrefour, Metro, Walmart and Starbucks and leading Chinese retailers such as Vanguard, RT-Mart and City Shop, CSRR represents more than 12,000 stores and more than USD90 billion retail sales value.

“We are delighted that the RSPO has joined our initiative. As China continues to push forward with supply-side structural reform, we welcome our international partners to share their expertise and insights and we look forward to working with them to explore strategies and innovative solutions to build a green supply chain,” Said Pei Liang, Secretary General of China Chain Stores and Franchise Association.

“CSRR is a forward looking initiative that spearheads the sustainable development of China’s retail sector. It has also made consistent efforts in engaging with Chinese consumers. We are happy to be part of this driving force,” said Darrel Webber, Secretary General of the RSPO.