But behind the barcodes and branding, supply chains can be forces for good. At the Sumatran Orangutan Society (SOS), we believe that businesses have the power to drive environmental change, and our Rewild Fund is helping turn sustainable commitments into tangible action for the rainforest.
Rainforests are often the unseen casualty of unsustainable supply chains. In Sumatra, habitat loss driven by agriculture, particularly unsustainable palm oil production, has had a severe impact on species like orangutans, tigers and elephants in the past. But we do not believe in blanket boycotts. Instead, we advocate for a shift towards sustainable palm oil, which is produced in a way which minimises environmental impacts.
Sourcing sustainable palm oil is one of the most powerful ways businesses can contribute to rainforest protection. Palm oil itself is not the problem, it is how it is produced that needs to change. That is why we work with companies to support ethical sourcing through the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and other best practice initiatives.
Creating sustainable supply chains requires both scientific research and logistical expertise. Sustainable sourcing depends on traceability, ensuring raw materials come from responsibly managed sources while promoting biodiversity. Advanced satellite monitoring, blockchain technology and certification schemes help businesses track their supply chains from origin to finished product.
In addition to transparency, sustainable supply chains also prioritise regenerative practices, such as agroforestry and ecosystem restoration. This ensures that farming and production methods work in harmony with nature rather than depleting it. Businesses investing in sustainability must also consider ethical labour practices, reducing carbon emissions in transportation, and supporting local communities who rely on these industries. By integrating sustainability at every stage, from sourcing to distribution, companies can create real impact and contribute to a healthier planet. But businesses can go even further by investing in restoring what has already been lost, and that is where the Rewild Fund comes in.
Through the Rewild Fund, businesses can make a direct impact by supporting the restoration of rainforest and the protection of vital ecosystems in Sumatra. The fund offers a way for companies to offset their environmental footprint, invest in reforestation and contribute to long-term conservation.
By aligning with the Rewild Fund, businesses are not just pledging sustainability in words but embedding it into action, ensuring that supply chains do not just sustain economies, they sustain ecosystems.
Sustainability is not just about ‘doing less harm’, it is about actively restoring and regenerating. Whether through certified sustainable sourcing, rewilding investments, or both, businesses can make a meaningful difference. We are calling on brands that care about their impact to step up, join the movement and help drive a future where supply chains are not linked to habitat degradation, but to rainforest restoration.
If your business is ready to go beyond sustainability pledges and into real-world impact, join us. From supply chain to rainforest, let’s make every purchase a step towards a wilder world.
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