Stephenson's landmark palm oil deal

SOAP manufacturer Stephenson Group has signed a deal with New Britain Oils to become the first personal care product manufacturer in the UK to use RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil to manufacture a soap base that meets industry standards.

By The Newsroom

Published 19th Nov 2010, 20:02 BST

Updated 19th Nov 2010, 20:02 BST

The Leeds-based company and New Britain Oils, which operates a sustainable palm oil refinery in Liverpool, confirmed the agreement on the eve of the eighth Annual Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Stephenson Group showcased its RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil personal care products, including its soap bases, at the event.

The firm's products, which are exported worldwide, are used by its customers to create finished soap bars by adding fragrances, colours and additives. It produces 15,000 tonnes of soap bases a year.

Chief executive Jamie Bentley said: "As an ethical manufacturer committed to sustainability in the personal care market, this is a very proud moment for this company."