SG Sustainable Oils (SGSO) is establishing a commercial grade oil palm business consisting of nucleus farms, the most technologically advanced oil extraction facilities, out-growers and related infrastructures within several African countries. Each project will be customized to meet the specific requirements of the host country and to capitalize on that country's strengths. SGSO is in various stages of advanced development in the project countries.

The tropical regions of the African continent are perfectly suited for the cultivation of oil palms. Even though numerous African countries are located in ideal climates for palm oil production, Africa is currently a major importer of crude palm oil (CPO) with imports totaling over 3 million tons of CPO per year primarily from Asia. SGSO seeks to correct this trade imbalance and enable Africa to become a net exporter through the low-cost, commercial-scale production of CPO and palm kernel oil (PKO) to be used for both consumption and industrial purposes. Increasing production in the countries that SGSO operates in will help offset import costs and allow each country to preserve scarce foreign exchange. The palm products will be sold as vegetable cooking oil, oleo chemicals for non-food applications, and/or be used as a fuel source.

SGSO envisions that its activities will serve as a model in terms of corporate social responsibility. As with its other investments, the management team at SGSO is committed to upholding the highest standards in terms of social and environmental sustainability. The project will provide tens of thousands of direct jobs throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, SGSO will actively promote out-grower programs by providing technical training for small scale farmers and is committed to purchasing local goods and services as a means to catalyze the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). SGSO operations will also provide a wide range of other social benefits to local communities, including housing, healthcare, education, infrastructure and community support programs. SGSO will work closely with affected populations, local authorities and relevant stakeholders to craft a sustainable development program that prioritizes the needs of local populations.

SGSO has adopted a sustainable approach to palm oil that builds on the company's extensive experience developing projects with social and environmental impacts. In addition to this internal commitment, SGSO is a contributing member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), an industry organization drawing on producers, consumers and concerned non-profit organizations to promote the sustainable development, production, and use of palm oil. SGSO also operates within the guidelines of the IFC Performance Standards and the Equator Principles.

Brian Kubeck
Senior Vice President, Development
Project Manager: Goreway and SGSO