Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. (DNKN), the parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, announced today a commitment to source only 100% sustainable palm oil in the United States by 2016. Dunkin' Brands will work with its suppliers and its franchisee-owned purchasing cooperative to source palm oil that is 100% fully traceable to the mill by the end of 2015, and to the plantation by the end of 2016 for use in Dunkin' Donuts U.S. restaurants.
In addition, Dunkin' Brands will develop and publish a phased implementation plan, including mapping its international supply chain, by March 1, 2015. Dunkin' Brands engaged with several nonprofit organizations to develop its responsible palm oil supply plan, which includes formal guidelines for palm oil suppliers. The company will continue to work with these organizations to help meet the targets.
Dunkin' Donuts currently uses a blend of palm oil, soy and cottonseed oil for preparing donuts, and has supported a moratorium on palm oil expansion in rainforests and peatlands since 2012. According to Christine Riley Miller, Senior Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for Dunkin' Brands, "Sourcing even limited amounts of palm oil irresponsibly can contribute to deforestation, loss of natural habitats and other environmental and human rights concerns. Therefore, Dunkin' Brands has created clear guidelines for our suppliers, and to ensure independent verification that our principles are being met, so that by 2016 we can meet our targets of sourcing only responsibly-produced palm oil," she said. "As part of our overall commitment to being a socially responsible company, Dunkin' Brands is focused on finding sustainable business solutions that meet the needs of our guests and our franchisees, and that benefit our communities and the planet."
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