Latest news with #MusimMas
Business Times
11 hours ago
- Business
- Business Times
How Musim Mas navigates palm oil's bad reputation
[SINGAPORE] Deforestation can drive wildlife to the brink of extinction, trigger transboundary haze from the fires set to clear the vegetation, and contribute to forced labour – and its association with palm oil accounts for the industry's bad reputation. The director of sustainable supply chain at palm oil conglomerate Musim Mas does not deny it. 'Unfortunately,... we are still at that stage of saying 'We are not as bad as people think',' said Olivier Tichit. 'But if you go and ask a palm oil farmer what he thinks about palm oil, a (different picture emerges). The farmer does not understand why palm oil is demonised, and the consumer might not understand why farmers or companies are still turning to palm oil. So I think we still lack that connection between palm oil farmers and the global markets.' Information gaps exist in other aspects of the sector too. In 2021, the Indonesian government reported that deforestation rates had fallen by three-quarters to their lowest levels since 1990, when tracking such data began. But two years later, French geospatial company The TreeMap found that deforestation caused by single-crop palm oil plantations was once more on the rise. To address such discrepancies, Musim Mas, one of the largest integrated palm oil players, was the first from Indonesia to join the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), noted Tichit. Formed in 2004, the non-profit group facilitates the exchange of information on sustainability among stakeholders. It has more than 5,000 member organisations globally. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 12.30 pm ESG Insights An exclusive weekly report on the latest environmental, social and governance issues. Sign Up Sign Up Tichit admitted, however, that 'while we have 98 per cent traceability to plantations, it is very hard to get to 100 per cent because of the dynamic nature of the supply chain'. Tichit says that since the suppliers are usually one or two steps removed from the company, they may not see the need to disclose certain information – or they may view the process of reporting their emissions as daunting. PHOTO: MUSIM MAS Musim Mas conducts its primary operations in Indonesia, working with third-party suppliers and has trained almost 47,000 smallholder farmers. This increases its exposure to Scope 3 emissions significantly, said Tichit, referring to indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that occur along a company's value chain. Given that 91 per cent of what the Singapore-headquartered company processes is from third parties, it is vital for it to monitor and control Scope 3 emissions in order to meet its 'net-zero by 2050' goal, he added. The main challenge to doing that comes from the lack of clarity on these emissions. Tichit said that since the suppliers are usually one or two steps removed from the company, they may not see the need to disclose certain information – or they may view the process of reporting their emissions as daunting. Getting a better view Musim Mas thus spends 'an inordinate amount of time' engaging with its suppliers, especially those who are not RSPO-certified, and explaining to them what deforestation and peat are. 'What we can do is to be clear about what compliance is, and how you address it when there is an issue,' he added. Tichit said that when the company needs information from its partner farms, it helps to frame the questions differently. 'For example, instead of asking them when their land use changed (and whether they have) high or low land use... often, what we need from them is just: 'Was there a crop before? When did you plant?'' Musim Mas also relies on satellite imagery to track the extent of deforestation caused by its partner farms. It also conducts risk assessments on its suppliers, based on what they disclose and the credibility of this information. The company then assigns its many suppliers 'risk levels', which indicate which of them are trustworthy, and whether their actual emissions can be monitored in real time. 'We are trying to be as conservative as we can, without making it impossible for us to buy from anybody,' noted Tichit. He added: 'We need to ensure that it is easy for the information to come to us, so we can translate it into what the actual emissions are, how we assess them, and when we need to intervene.' The company also utilises the PalmGHG Calculator, developed by RSPO to help palm oil producers estimate and monitor their GHG emissions. Musim Mas has ventured into impact investing as well, through its initiatives with the smallholder farmers who are integrated into its supply chain, said Tichit. These programmes include training the farmers on good agricultural practices. These investments are set to grow. 'We are looking beyond tomorrow – how do we keep the youth now on the farm? How do we make it so that they will have a good living income and be better equipped to be better farm managers? These are some of the programmes that Musim Mas has invested in to prepare itself and the industry for the future.'
Korea Herald
28-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Musim Mas Enters Into Agreement To Acquire Manufacturing Facility from Stepan to Expand Product Offerings in Surfactants
SINGAPORE, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Musim Mas, one of the major players in the oleochemicals industry, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary Masurf Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire a manufacturing facility located in Bauan, Batangas province, Philippines from one of Stepan Company (NYSE: SCL) subsidiaries, Stepan Philippines Quaternaries, Inc. (SPQI). The transaction is subject to normal closing conditions. This acquisition will strengthen Musim Mas' presence by broadening its surfactant portfolio and is expected to enhance Musim Mas Group's capabilities to meet growing market demands for high-quality surfactant products for industries such as personal care, home care, and other industrial applications. Strategic Expansion in Surfactants John Hall, Global Business Oleochemicals Managing Director, said "This acquisition marks an important milestone in our strategic vision to offer a comprehensive and sophisticated range of surfactant solutions. With a key focus on fabric softeners and other essential surfactants, this new facility allows us to better serve our customers while pursuing our commitment to sustainable growth and partnership." Driving Innovation and Synergy Aligned with Musim Mas' vision of enhancing oleochemicals portfolio, the acquisition creates synergy across our surfactants value chain. By leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies at this new facility, Musim Mas aims to deliver superior-quality surfactant ingredients that align with the evolving needs of customers across diverse sectors. A Focus on Sustainability and Growth Sustainability remains at the core of Musim Mas' operations. Through this acquisition, the company reinforces its commitment to responsible innovation by producing sustainable surfactant solutions.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Musim Mas Enters Into Agreement To Acquire Manufacturing Facility from Stepan to Expand Product Offerings in Surfactants
SINGAPORE, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Musim Mas, one of the major players in the oleochemicals industry, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary Masurf Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire a manufacturing facility located in Bauan, Batangas province, Philippines from one of Stepan Company (NYSE: SCL) subsidiaries, Stepan Philippines Quaternaries, Inc. (SPQI). The transaction is subject to normal closing conditions. This acquisition will strengthen Musim Mas' presence by broadening its surfactant portfolio and is expected to enhance Musim Mas Group's capabilities to meet growing market demands for high-quality surfactant products for industries such as personal care, home care, and other industrial applications. Strategic Expansion in Surfactants John Hall, Global Business Oleochemicals Managing Director, said "This acquisition marks an important milestone in our strategic vision to offer a comprehensive and sophisticated range of surfactant solutions. With a key focus on fabric softeners and other essential surfactants, this new facility allows us to better serve our customers while pursuing our commitment to sustainable growth and partnership." Driving Innovation and Synergy Aligned with Musim Mas' vision of enhancing oleochemicals portfolio, the acquisition creates synergy across our surfactants value chain. By leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies at this new facility, Musim Mas aims to deliver superior-quality surfactant ingredients that align with the evolving needs of customers across diverse sectors. A Focus on Sustainability and Growth Sustainability remains at the core of Musim Mas' operations. Through this acquisition, the company reinforces its commitment to responsible innovation by producing sustainable surfactant solutions. For more information, please contact: Carolyn LimCorporate Communicationsmedia@ 6576 4770 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Musim Mas Holdings
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Musim Mas Enters Into Agreement To Acquire Manufacturing Facility from Stepan to Expand Product Offerings in Surfactants
SINGAPORE, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Musim Mas, one of the major players in the oleochemicals industry, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary Masurf Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire a manufacturing facility located in Bauan, Batangas province, Philippines from one of Stepan Company (NYSE: SCL) subsidiaries, Stepan Philippines Quaternaries, Inc. (SPQI). The transaction is subject to normal closing conditions. This acquisition will strengthen Musim Mas' presence by broadening its surfactant portfolio and is expected to enhance Musim Mas Group's capabilities to meet growing market demands for high-quality surfactant products for industries such as personal care, home care, and other industrial applications. Strategic Expansion in Surfactants John Hall, Global Business Oleochemicals Managing Director, said "This acquisition marks an important milestone in our strategic vision to offer a comprehensive and sophisticated range of surfactant solutions. With a key focus on fabric softeners and other essential surfactants, this new facility allows us to better serve our customers while pursuing our commitment to sustainable growth and partnership." Driving Innovation and Synergy Aligned with Musim Mas' vision of enhancing oleochemicals portfolio, the acquisition creates synergy across our surfactants value chain. By leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies at this new facility, Musim Mas aims to deliver superior-quality surfactant ingredients that align with the evolving needs of customers across diverse sectors. A Focus on Sustainability and Growth Sustainability remains at the core of Musim Mas' operations. Through this acquisition, the company reinforces its commitment to responsible innovation by producing sustainable surfactant solutions. For more information, please contact: Carolyn LimCorporate Communicationsmedia@ 6576 4770 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Musim Mas Holdings
Korea Herald
27-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Danish government in collaboration with Preferred by Nature, Ferrero, SAN, Agriterra, and Musim Mas for Sustainable Palm Oil Production in Indonesia
The Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiative drives sustainability and smallholder engagement JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new partnership is set to advance palm oil production in Indonesia to make it more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. The Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiative brings together global integrated palm oil group Musim Mas, sweet-packaged food company Ferrero, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) Preferred by Nature, Agriterra, and the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN). Funded by the Danish government's Danida Green Business Partnerships (DGBP) programme, this initiative aims to enhance independent smallholder livelihoods, protect the environment, and promote sustainable palm oil production in line with global sustainability standards and regulatory frameworks, including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiative This five-year project focuses on implementing scalable solutions for sustainable palm oil production. Its aim is to support 5,400 independent smallholders in adopting regenerative agricultural practices that improve farming conditions, reduce synthetic inputs, and strengthen climate resilience. The Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiative will also strengthen two farmer organisations and help 2,500 farmers achieve certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) standards. Additionally, it aims to create diversified income opportunities for 2,000 community members—60 percent of whom will be women—while implementing measures to safeguard biodiversity and mitigate deforestation risks. A key element of the initiative is establishing a multi-stakeholder jurisdictional alliance to promote ecosystem restoration and ensure alignment with sustainability standards. Preferred by Nature, an international NGO headquartered in Denmark with extensive experience in sustainable agriculture and forestry projects, will lead project coordination, capacity building, and training in sustainable practices. Dutch agri-agency Stichting Agriterra will focus on strengthening farmer organisations, enabling financial sustainability, and fostering cooperative business models, while international NGO SAN will provide expertise in regenerative agriculture and deliver on-ground support through its Indonesian partners Kaleka and Setara Jambi. Both Musim Mas and Ferrero have a shared interest in securing a sustainable and traceable palm oil supply chain that complies with regulatory standards and meets voluntary commitments. Addressing Systemic Challenges in Palm Oil Supply Chains This project aligns the shared objectives of Ferrero and Musim Mas with development goals by addressing systemic challenges within independent smallholder supply chains. These challenges include low productivity, varying levels of familiarity with sustainable farming practices, and environmental degradation, such as declining soil health. Independent smallholders, who manage over 40 percent of Indonesia's planted palm oil, often encounter barriers to meeting RSPO and ISPO standards, including resource constraints, uneven access to knowledge, and land tenure issues. This initiative seeks to tackle these barriers by equipping farmers with the necessary tools and training to adopt sustainable practices, achieve certifications, and improve market access. At the landscape level, the project fosters a multi-stakeholder alliance involving corporate, governmental, and civil society actors to strengthen ecosystem protection. These efforts safeguard biodiversity and support alignment with global sustainability standards like the EUDR. A Model for Sustainable Palm Oil Production By combining private sector commitments with nonprofit expertise, the Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiative sets a benchmark for sustainable palm oil production and creates a win-win scenario for all stakeholders. Farmers can benefit from increased productivity, improved market access, and diversified incomes. Meanwhile, partners like Ferrero and Musim Mas can secure a reliable, sustainable, and traceable palm oil supply chain. This project also generates long-term economic benefits for rural communities, contributes to global climate goals, and positions the Rokan Hulu region as a leading example of sustainable palm oil production. This transformative initiative sets the stage for a more sustainable and inclusive palm oil industry. By addressing systemic challenges and fostering collaboration, the project paves the way for a resilient and environmentally responsible supply chain that benefits all stakeholders. Mr Olivier Tichit, Director of Communications and Sustainability at Musim Mas, said: "Empowering smallholders through training and support is key to building a resilient and sustainable palm oil supply chain. Musim Mas takes a landscape-based approach to sustainability. Across the Smallholder Hubs we operate, we work with governments, suppliers, smallholders, NGOs, and other players in the landscape to achieve sustainability transformation. This project will enable us to contribute in a new dimension with our new partners." Mr Nicola Somenzi, Head of Responsible Sourcing at Ferrero, said: "We aim to create a thriving supply chain which benefits farmers' livelihoods and communities, protecting people and nature. Beyond sourcing RSPO segregated palm oil for our products, our active participation in initiatives like this strengthens the foundation for a resilient and environmentally responsible supply chain that creates long-term value for all." Mr Jakob Ryding, Senior Director of Projects at Preferred by Nature, said: "At Preferred by Nature, we believe that sustainable palm oil production is only possible when smallholders are equipped with the right knowledge, resources and market access. This project demonstrates how collaboration between businesses and NGOs can address systemic challenges, empower farmers, and protect vital ecosystems. We are delighted to be part of this initiative." Mr Jose Joaquín Campos, Executive Director at SAN, said: "By integrating regenerative agriculture and nature-based solutions, this initiative demonstrates how sustainable farming can simultaneously revive ecosystems and enhance farmer livelihoods." Mr Marco Schouten, CEO of Stichting Agriterra, said: "Strengthening farmer organisations is at the heart of what we do. This project provides the tools needed to empower farmer organisations and their members, enabling them to cooperate to achieve financial sustainability and seize new market opportunities."
