Indonesia: Enviro audit finds palm oil company did not destroy rainforest, but has damaged peatlands
Reuters) - Indonesian palm oil giant PT SMART Tbk on Tuesday got a mixed score card in an environmental audit, leaving in doubt whether key buyers including Unilever will renew contracts with the firm.
Both SMART, which is part of Singapore-listed Golden Agri-Resources, and leading critic Greenpeace claimed victory after the audit said SMART had not destroyed primary forest but had planted in greenhouse gas-rich peatlands.
The bitter dispute shows the difficulties for Indonesia of spurring economic growth and slashing emissions as the world's top palm producer eyes hungry Asian consumers and eco-conscious Westerners for an oil used to make biscuits and biodiesel.