BODY Shop International has been praised for introducing sustainable palm oil into its cosmetics and toiletries range.
The company made its move as a response to the rapid destruction of the world's ancient rainforests caused by irresponsible palm oil production. It will now obtain the oil from sustainable sources for its bars of soap.
A six-fold increase in the oil's use since the mid-Eighties has led to the clearance of vast areas of rainforests for plantations, particularly in south-east Asia.
About 1.3m hectares of forest - equating to about six football pitches - a minute will be cleared this year in Borneo alone to allow for new plantations.
Matthias Diemer, palm oil expert at WWF Switzerland, said: "The Body Shop is the first global cosmetics company to introduce sustainable palm oil into its product lines.
"This is the start of the growth of sustainable palm oil in the cosmetics sector and we hope that many more companies will follow suit."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article