Sustainable Palm Oil Certification Research Articles

Tangible Financial Benefits of Palm Oil Plantations with and without Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil Certification in Thailand

Tangible Financial Benefits of Palm Oil Plantations with and without Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil Certification in Thailand

The deployment of the Malaysian sustainable palm oil standard in the agriculture sector

Malaysia's oil palm business is critical to the country's agricultural growth through its contributions to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), foreign exchange, and employment. Oil palm is in high demand because it produces a high yield at a low cost of production. The Malaysian government declared that the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil Certification (MSPO) will be necessary by the end of 2020, as a result of greater awareness of environmental and sustainable issues. The objective of this study was to investigate how to deploy MSPO standards in the agriculture sector and to point out the benefit of applying MSPO standards in the agriculture sector. The case study approach and interviews were conducted based on the MSPO Certification, Oil Palm Management Certification and Supply Chain Certification. The findings demonstrated that with the guideline from the standards help to guide the farmers and the small holders to manage the waste, managing fertilizer packaging containers and poison container properly. The MSPO standards bring improvement towards the sale of palm oil and help reduce the problem regarding palm oil. MSPO certification are not only designed to address social and environmental issues but is also designed to demonstrate positive impacts as a result of implementation of better agricultural practices aimed at enhancing efficiency, farm management, improved social development and climate change adaptation.

ISPO Policy on Palm Oil Industry and Biodiesel Development in North Aceh

The total area of oil palm plantations in Aceh Utara Regency is 33,781.64 hectares, managed and operated by 11 oil palm plantation companies. In accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture Number 11/Permentan/Ot.140/3/2015 regarding the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil Certification System (ISPO), the Government of Aceh Utara Regency has formulated a vision for the palm oil industry within its jurisdiction. This vision is centered around sustainability and its influence on the growth of the biodiesel sector in Aceh Utara Regency. To achieve this, the government encourages the palm oil industry to adopt ISPO certification. This research aims to analyze and describe the challenges, roles, and initiatives undertaken by the Government in Aceh Utara Regency to promote ISPO certification within the palm oil industry. The research employs an empirical juridical approach, encompassing the identification of research subjects, a statutory analysis, and horizontal and vertical synchronization methodologies to address the implementation of ISPO certification. The results of study reveal that the Government of Aceh Utara Regency has actively motivated palm oil plantation entrepreneurs to swiftly pursue ISPO certification. The government has established a dedicated team and allocated funds to expedite the implementation of ISPO.

THE EFFECT OF ISPO IMPLEMENTATION ON PALM OIL FARMERS' INCOME IN BANDAR PASIR MANDOGE, ASAHAN DISTRICT

Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) as an Indonesian-style sustainable palm oil certification system already has the principle of responsibility to workers or laborers, but in the field many companies have not implemented it. This study aims to find out and analyze how big the difference is in the level of production, price, income and use of production factors such as fertilization, use of pesticides and the labor of oil palm farmers who have ISPO and not ISPO in Bandar Pasir Mandoge District, Asahan Regency. This research method uses a quantitative approach. The research sample used in the study was 92 respondents, with the provisions of 46 ISPO farmers and 46 Non ISPO farmers. The analysis of this study was carried out using a different test (paired sample t-test). The results showed that there was a significant difference in the level of palm oil production that had ISPO and did not have ISPO in Bandar Pasir Mandoge District, Asahan Regency. There is a significant difference in the TBS price level of palm oil smallholders who have ISPO and not ISPO in Bandar Pasir Mandoge District, Asahan Regency. There is a significant difference in the level of income of palm oil farmers who have ISPO and not ISPO in Bandar Pasir Mandoge District, Asahan Regency. There are significant differences in the level of use of production factors such as fertilization, use of pesticides and workers who have ISPO and do not have ISPO in Bandar Pasir Mandoge District, Asahan Regency. There is a significant difference in the TBS price level of palm oil smallholders who have ISPO and not ISPO in Bandar Pasir Mandoge District, Asahan Regency. There is a significant difference in the level of income of palm oil farmers who have ISPO and not ISPO in Bandar Pasir Mandoge District, Asahan Regency. There are significant differences in the level of use of production factors such as fertilization, use of pesticides and workers who have ISPO and do not have ISPO in Bandar Pasir Mandoge District, Asahan Regency. There is a significant difference in the TBS price level of palm oil smallholders who have ISPO and not ISPO in Bandar Pasir Mandoge District, Asahan Regency. There is a significant difference in the level of income of palm oil farmers who have ISPO and not ISPO in Bandar Pasir Mandoge District, Asahan Regency. There are significant differences in the level of use of production factors such as fertilization, use of pesticides and workers who have ISPO and do not have ISPO in Bandar Pasir Mandoge District, Asahan Regency.

Accelerating Certification of Oil Palm Smallholders through Institutionalization of Various Incentives

Sustainable palm oil certification has become a global demand, particularly in the market. However, the implementation of both Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oli (RSPO) and Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification schemes is relatively slow. This study aims to analyze to what extent incentives can accelerate sustainable palm oil certification, from what sources those incentives can be arranged, and types of incentives are appropriate for palm oil smallholders. The research uses quantitative and qualitative methods based on literature reviews, in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, and a survey of 455 farmers in two Indonesian provinces (Riau and West Kalimantan). Based on quantitative analysis, the reasons behind more progressive certification achievements in Riau remain unrevealed while in West Kalimantan, Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) price, easiness to obtaining loans with low interest, and easiness of selling FFB have a significant influence on accelerating certification. Using a qualitative approach, smallholders show their expectation of having incentives. In Riau, incentives expected are higher FFB prices and a simpler procedure to get the Environmental Management Statement (SPPL) document. In West Kalimantan, higher FFB prices and availability of low interest loans are expected to become incentives. These incentives can be mobilized from intergovernmental fiscal transfer mechanisms such as revenue-sharing mechanisms, export levies, and environmental funds. Smallholders also expect clarity of incentives generated from ISPO certification, particularly in price and market access, which requires the government’s initiative to develop synergy with various stakeholders. To be practical, incentives were not only for smallholders but also for the government officials at the province, district, and village levels, as the position of the local government is very important in preparing, encouraging, and mobilizing farmers, as well as in strengthening institutions for improving palm oil governance. In the implementation of RSPO certification, the collaboration between the Indonesian government (through the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises) and the RSPO becomes clear evidence of central government support. At the sub-national level, the Riau and West Kalimantan Provinces have developed the Regional Action Plans (RAD) for sustainable palm oil as a policy commitment to accelerate both RSPO and ISPO certification.

The Urgency of Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil Certification for Oil Palm Plantation Companies in the State's Economic Growth

The government is working on Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil Plantations by issuing various regulations, both through the Presidential Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 44 of 2020 concerning the Certification System for Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil Plantations, as well as through the Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture Number 38 of 2020 concerning Implementation of Plantation Certification Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil so that the oil palm plantation business obtains results that are economically feasible, socio-culturally feasible and environmentally friendly and increase the competitiveness of industrial palm oil products for the international market. The study method is normative juridical. In this study, an approach is used by identifying research objects and a statute approach. Based on the results of the study, the Government of Indonesia continues to make efforts for oil palm plantation companies to carry out ISPO certification. The government also issued various regulations to accelerate ISPO certification. It is suggested to the government continue to make efforts and be serious about accelerating ISPO certification by implementing various regulations that have been issued, including the Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia Number 18 of 2021 concerning the Facilitation of Development of Community Gardens in Surroundings, in addition to issuing the Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia Number 03 of the Year 2022 concerning Development of Human Resources, Research, and Development, Rejuvenation, as well as Facilities and Infrastructure for Oil Palm Plantations and several regions a Team for the Acceleration and Supervision of ISPO certification has been formed so that it has an impact on the country's economic growth.

Improving performance of independent smallholders towards the principles of Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil Certification in Riau Province: prospective scenario approach

Certification is increasingly important to ensure sustainability. However, certification is a challenge for palm oil farmers. This study aimed to: 1) evaluate the application of Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) standards by independent smallholders; 2) analyse the lever attributes; 3) formulate strategies for successful ISPO implementation. This research applied survey method towards 270 independent farmers and key respondents. Data analysis was performed descriptively and by prospective analysis. The results showed that the application of ISPO indicators by independent smallholders is still low and there are many indicators that have not been applied. The critical determinants of the implementation of ISPO are the benefits of ISPO, guidance, documentation, financial assistance, partnerships, stakeholder roles, human resources, and legal certainty. The best strategy to implement the ISPO standard is through synergy between the government and stakeholders in terms of government policies that support the enhancement of human resource capabilities, capital capabilities, farm management capabilities and marketing capabilities.

Farmers’ Perceptions of Sustainable Palm Oil Certification in Jambi Province

The purpose of implementing ISPO is to increase the competitiveness of palm oil products for the international market. However, most of the independent smallholders have not implemented the ISPO policy. This is because farmers’ awareness of sustainable oil palm farming is still relatively low. Therefore, it is necessary to study farmers’ perceptions of ISPO. The purpose of this study was to determine farmers’ perceptions and to analyze the relationship between farmer characteristics and farmers’ perceptions of ISPO. This research was conducted in one of Indonesia’s palm oil production centers, namely Jambi Province. This study involved a sample of 300 respondents using the multistage disproportionate purposive sampling. Data were analyzed descriptively qualitatively using descriptive data analysis techniques using a Likert scale measurement approach and testing the characteristic relationship hypothesis using the Spearman Rank Correlation Test. The results showed that farmers have a high perception of the implementation of ISPO (3.47 Likert scale) and the benefits of ISPO (4.38 Likert scale). Farmers’ overall perception of ISPO implementation is positive. Farmers like indicators of relative advantage, compatibility, trialability, observability and environmental aspects but do not like complexity indicators. Characteristics of farmers that correlate with farmers’ perceptions are formal education, non-formal education, and income.

Independent Smallholders Farmers Group Sustain Biodiversity, Social and Economy After a Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil Certification: Case Study Sites in Jambi Province, Indonesia

The purpose of this research is to analyze environmental impacts by assessing the number of forest crops planted among oil palm plantations, comparing soil qualities between certified and non-certified areas, analyze economic impacts by calculating the group’s income, and analyze the strategies used by strengths to be balanced biodiversity and economic development. The data collection uses observing, interviewing, and sampling the soil in the oil palm plantation and control site. The economic analysis was analyzed by using cost and benefit analysis. There has been a very significant change as the location of the river border has been planted with several types of forest plants. The chemical properties of soil in Gapoktan and non-Gapoktan farming areas were low pH or acid soil reaction. However, organic C, total N, and available P in Gapoktan soils were higher than in the non-Gapoktan soils. Smallholders’ strategies can maintain the sustainable management of oil palm plantations. It can be concluded that plot scales in smallholder plantations can support the biodiversity of oil palm plantations; so that runoff water can be restrained, and the biodiversity enrichment in oil palm can generate synergies between economic, social, and ecological functions.

Implementation of Sustainable Plantation Principles Through Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil in North Aceh Regency

North Aceh Regency has 33,781.64 hectares of oil palm plantations granted to 11 plantation companies with the amount of land raises many issues in the social-ecological field. Therefore, the government of the North Aceh Regency developed the concept of sustainability-oriented plantation development and was guided by Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture No. 11/Permentan (the Minister of Agriculture Regulation)/Ot.140/3/2015 concerning the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil Certification System (ISPO). This study aims to analyze what are the obstacles, and how the role and efforts of the North Aceh Regency Government in implementing the principles of sustainable plantations through ISPO. The research method used in this research is empirical juridical research. The study employs three approaches, namely the identifying research objects approach, the statutory approach, and the vertical and horizontal synchronization approach to uncover the reality. Based on the results of this study, the Government of North Aceh Regency has encouraged only 3 companies out of 11 companies in the palm oil sector to commit to ISPO certification. This is because only these three companies which are committed to implement ISPO certification. In the implementation, there were obstacles due to the lack of awareness of palm oil plantation companies in carrying out ISPO certification. The North Aceh Government's efforts are to allocate a budget to overcome these obstacles, as well as form a team to accelerate the implementation of ISPO. It is recommended that there is a need for synergy between the North Aceh Regency Government and businessmen in the oil palm plantation sector in the realization of sustainable oil palm plantations with the concept of ISPO certification.

Implementation of Sustainable Plantation Principles Through Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil in North Aceh Regency

North Aceh Regency has 33,781.64 hectares of oil palm plantations granted to 11 plantation companies with the amount of land raises many issues in the social-ecological field. Therefore, the government of the North Aceh Regency developed the concept of sustainability-oriented plantation development and was guided by Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture No. 11/Permentan (the Minister of Agriculture Regulation)/Ot.140/3/2015 concerning the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil Certification System (ISPO). This study aims to analyze what are the obstacles, and how the role and efforts of the North Aceh Regency Government in implementing the principles of sustainable plantations through ISPO. The research method used in this research is empirical juridical research. The study employs three approaches, namely the identifying research objects approach, the statutory approach, and the vertical and horizontal synchronization approach to uncover the reality. Based on the results of this study, the Government of North Aceh Regency has encouraged only 3 companies out of 11 companies in the palm oil sector to commit to ISPO certification. This is because only these three companies which are committed to implement ISPO certification. In the implementation, there were obstacles due to the lack of awareness of palm oil plantation companies in carrying out ISPO certification. The North Aceh Government’s efforts are to allocate a budget to overcome these obstacles, as well as form a team to accelerate the implementation of ISPO. It is recommended that there is a need for synergy between the North Aceh Regency Government and businessmen in the oil palm plantation sector in the realization of sustainable oil palm plantations with the concept of ISPO certification

Scale Efficiency of External Factors to Productivity of Smallholder Palm Oil Agriculture

This study aims to evaluate palm oil productivity by the smallholders in Indonesia, which offered by particular external factors condition. This article consists of 400 smallholders from 5 different districts as respondents. Evaluation of the survey data was undertaken using inferential statistics, one-way and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and regression methods. An increase of 1 USD income per day would translate to an increase of 2 kg of output. Local government support is more critical than the central government since it can boost up to 100 kg of output. Corporate support and Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil certification help boosting the harvest up to 80 kg of output. The current farming association shows a sign of inefficiency. The plantation lifespan has a positive impact on output productivity, which will be achieved when the plantation lifespan has productive periods. That indicates that external factors affect the smallholder's productivity in its way.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL ECOLOGICAL CRITERIA FOR SUSTAINABLE OIL PALM PLANTATION IN BELITUNG ISLAND (A CASE STUDY IN NYURUK AND TANJUNG RUSA)

The Development of palm oil in Indonesia has been associated with its environmental impact. Concerns such as deforestation, biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emission which will lead to climate change had triggered the stakeholders' urgency in initiating the sustainable palm oil certification scheme, namely RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil). This certification scheme included numerous criteria that have to be fulfilled by the palm oil companies. However, the scheme is not incorporating the local ecological concerns as part of the assessment criteria, whereas, if they are applied, will contribute to better monitoring process towards the sustainability. In order to cover this issue, it is necessary to characterize the criteria based on each plantation site's characteristics. Using the ecosystem approach principle, this case study emphasizes the prioritization of the ecological criteria. The case study was conducted in Nyuruk and Tanjung Rusa, Belitung. The High Conservation Value (HCV) criteria have been used as guidance in formulizing the proposed ecological criteria based on ecological condition of Belitung. Afterwards, the perception of palm oil stakeholders gathered to mediate the prioritization of the criteria. As results, the conservation of water resources and forest; the wildlife conservation and firing prevention; and endangered ecosystem conservation, key habitat, and ecological corridor for the species were considered as having high priority. Moreover, both the landscape and topography considerations; and the flood prevention in the plantation area were considered as having low priority. To conclude, we recommend incorporating the reviewed local ecological criteria in the existing sustainable palm oil certification scheme.

Financial costs and benefits of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil certification among independent smallholders: A probabilistic view of the Monte Carlo approach

Financial impacts continue to be a pivotal issue in encouraging independent smallholders to adopt the sustainability standards of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm (RSPO). Departing from past studies, which leveraged on a single-point average estimate, this study examines, through a probabilistic view, independent smallholders’ financial costs and benefits that are associated with their RSPO certification. Using the Monte Carlo approach, with backtracked information that treated 2019 as the base, a range of net present values was estimated. In comparison with “to-be-certified” (prospective) and non-certified independent smallholders, our findings indicate that certified independent smallholders are associated with a higher range of net values at a 95% confidence level. Such relative overperformance has high likelihood of persisting, even under scenarios of a self-funding model and/or a removal of any price premium. Conceptualizing the financial impacts associated with RSPO certification along a continuum may help to move advocacy in a more productive direction by emphasizing the financial risks and growth opportunities. Such an approach allows for greater consideration of smallholder variable conditions and needs.

Challenges faced by smallholders in achieving sustainable palm oil certification in Indonesia

• Smallholder sustainability certification offers the potential of more equitable and ecologically sustainable oil palm cultivation. • All of the independent smallholders studied face significant challenges in achieving certification. • Certain types of farmers, however, have greater advantages in achieving certification than others due to historical policies and programs. • Ensuring that larger numbers of smallholders attain certification requires addressing the structural disadvantages of independent smallholders. Reducing tropical deforestation caused by the expansion of agricultural and other commodities requires effective and equitable interventions for engaging small-scale producers. Interventions should reduce deforestation and environmental degradation while improving the welfare of rural households. Voluntary, sustainability certification schemes provide clear pathways and incentives for both large scale and small-scale producers to move towards more sustainable and inclusive commodity production. Although the benefits of certification to many small-scale commodity producers are debated, the certification of oil palm smallholders can provide ecological and social benefits under the right conditions. There are significant challenges for smallholders, in particular independent smallholders, to achieve certification. In this article, we evaluate the certification process of 1280 oil palm, independent smallholders and identify the main challenges they faced in achieving certification. We then analyze a dataset over 6261 farmers in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia to estimate which farmers are likely to face obstacles in achieving sustainability certification. The results of the study indicate that farmers that have been excluded by historical planning and agricultural extension programs as well as smallholder plantation schemes are disproportionately disadvantaged in comparison with farmers that were supported by these schemes. The results demonstrate that without the involvement of government and support from non-government or private sector actors, independent smallholders are unlikely to achieve voluntary, sustainability certification. To avoid the exclusion of smallholders from supply chains, a systematic effort would be required to overcome many of these structural disadvantages. Novel, multi-stakeholder approaches, in which the private sector and civil society organizations collaborate with subnational governments, may assist in overcoming these challenges.

Seeking for sustainability: Actor’s perspective on the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil Certification Scheme (MSPO)

The Malaysian government established the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification primarily as a response to critics against the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), chief among which is to urge the Malaysian government to play a more proactive role in protecting local palm oil producers. The aim of this study is threefold: (1) to identify why the Malaysian government creates MSPO; (2) to understand how Malaysian actors push for the MSPO; and (3) to investigate the current state of MSPO. We conducted nine expert interviews and four in-depth interviews with oil palm small holders. The study finds that the policy regarding palm oil in Malaysia is predominantly top-down in nature. The study concludes that the establishment and implementation of local palm oil certification standard as an alternative to the RSPO is not as straight-forward and more awareness among the smallholders on the importance of getting certified by MSPO is crucial. MSPO may establish a more effective and clearer line of communication between the federal government and the oil palm producers at the local level specifically small holders. The federal government, state agencies and MPOB needs to create awareness among the smallholders on the importance of getting certified by MSPO. Keywords : Actors, governance, MSPO, palm oil, perspective, sustainability

How does willingness and ability to pay of palm oil smallholders affect their willingness to participate in Indonesian sustainable palm oil certification? Empirical evidence from North Sumatra

Abstract A sample survey of palm oil smallholders was used to examine the amount of Willingness and Ability to Pay (WATP) and the factors that determine WATP as well as the impact of WATP on the willingness to participate of smallholders in Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification scheme. Results reveal that the average amount of WATP accounted only half of the certification cost, implying that partial assistance is needed to support the smallholders through government subsidy. The study shows that WATP significantly affects the willingness to participate, and smallholders with higher WATP are more likely willing to participate in ISPO. Both WATP and willingness to participate are significantly determined by social norms (farmers collective impression) and awareness of the consequences of unsustainable farming practices. This result indicates the necessity to improve a positive impression on ISPO and increase awareness of the importance of following the sustainability principles of palm oil farming to increase the smallholders’ WATP, and at the same time their willingness to participate in ISPO program. It is suggested for the government to intensify the campaign of the program to a wider range of smallholders to increase their knowledge and awareness of the certification program.

Analysis of the implementation of Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil-ISPO Certification at farmer level in West Pasaman Regency

As consumer demand for sustainable palm oil increases, the Indonesian government responds by issuing the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil [ISPO] Guidelines, which since 2015 have become Indonesia’s Sustainable Palm Oil Certification System. Currently, only 33% of the total oil palm area obtain ISPO certificates predominantly from private companies. As most oil palm plantations are smallholders owned, they must be prepared to meet this certification to enable Indonesia’s palm oil industry to maintain its market share in the world market. However, ISPO certification has not been known at the farmer level widely. This research aims to analyze the effect of farmers’ knowledge on the application of ISPO principles. The study employed a survey method involving 57 oil palm farmers. Primary data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed with the structural equation modeling method [SEM]. The results reveal that farmer knowledge on benefit and risk variables is in the moderate category, while farmers’ perception of ISPO simplicity is low. In applying ISPO principles, farmers have a high score on land legality and farm management, while environmental management and sustainable business are low. The estimation results obtained that farmers’ level of knowledge does not affect the application level of ISPO principles.

Perbandingan Roundtable On Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO), dan Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO)

Industri minyak sawit merupakan industri yang berperan dalam sektor perekonomian suatu negara. Industri kelapa sawit membutuhkan standar sertifikasi dalam memperkuat sistem industri dan langkah untuk tetap berkelanjutan. Sistem industri yang diperkuat berdasarkan ekonomis, hukum, sosial, dan ramah lingkungan. Penerapan standar sertifikasi kelapa sawit yang berkelanjutan antara lain Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) dan Malaysian sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membandingkan tiga standar sertifikasi dan mengetahui standar sertifikasi yang paling komprehensif. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif yang bersifat deskriftif dan dianalisa secara komprehensif dari setiap indikator. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa total penilaian RSPO, ISPO dan MSPO masing-masing sebesar 77 poin, 56 poin dan 62 poin, sehingga dapat disimpulkan RSPO memiliki tingkat kedetailan dan persyaratan yang lebih komprehensif dibandingkan ISPO dan MSPO berdasarkan aspek sistem sertifikasi, sistem rantai pasok, perlindungan sosial dan lingkungan, perlakuan petani kecil/plasma, lahan gambut dan pembebasan tanah.

Sustainable Palm Oil Certification Scheme Frameworks and Impacts: A Systematic Literature Review

Sustainability certification schemes were introduced to the palm oil industry as a response to address the negative environmental and social impacts associated with the development of this industry. The first certification scheme for palm oil, the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), was established in 2004, followed by other non-governmental initiatives to ensure the sustainable production of palm oil. Indonesia and Malaysia, the two largest palm oil producers in the world, established Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) and Malaysia Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) in 2011 and 2015, respectively. This article aims to analyze the existing literature related to studies on the RSPO, MSPO and ISPO on the basis of articles identified from the SCOPUS (scopus.com) and Web of Science (clavirate.com) databases. Results showed that research on the RSPO has been widely conducted compared with that on MSPO and ISPO. Thus, further research on MSPO and ISPO is needed to understand the dynamics of the implementation of sustainability certification. This article also provides an insight on how sustainable certification in the palm oil industry, particularly MSPO, could contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).