The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) through the WAZA Palm Oil Subcommittee and its member institution Cheyenne Mountain Zoo representing the United States and Canada, is proud to announce the launch of PalmOil Scan. This mobile app is a crucial initiative in explaining why zoos and aquariums must care about palm oil while also empowering consumers to make sustainable decisions. The app allows users to scan a product’s barcode and learn if the company that makes that product is committed to sourcing Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO).

Dr Martín Zordan, WAZA CEO said,

“Since 2017 WAZA has been committed to promoting the use of CSPO. We recognise the role that choosing wisely on this matter has in conserving biodiversity and reducing deforestation across some of the most unique tropical regions of the world. Over the years, we have been working to encourage the use of sustainable palm oil among our members.

The need to empower consumers and facilitate behaviour change is vital and companies must realise that there is a demand for CSPO products. It is only when consumers are aware and empowered that they can demand more sustainable alternatives and influence change.”

Major corporations are rated on a scale as either ‘No Commitment’ to sustainable palm oil, ‘Poor’, ‘Good’, or ‘Excellent’. This is a tool that highlights the impact of consumers’ choices and how they may support sustainable palm oil through their decisions. App users are also able to use a Keyword Search to find products based on key descriptor words and can contact Administrators with any question about a company.

PalmOil Scan is currently available in the USA and in Canada, with more countries being added later this year as increasing numbers of zoos and aquariums join as app administrators. WAZA members can be app administrators with Cheyenne Mountain Zoo currently acting as such for the United States and Canada. The administrators monitor the sourcing commitments for companies sourcing palm oil and operating in their regions.

The launch of this tool is the latest contribution of WAZA as part of its effort on promoting the use of sustainable palm oil among its members. WAZA and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2017 to establish a framework to further their shared goals and objectives. WAZA also published a Short Guide and a resources website to help members turn to certified sustainable palm oil.

The new PalmOil Scan app is now available to download from the App Store, Google Play Store and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s website.