In 2021, Unilever partnered with the Global Green Growth Institute and its Myanmar supplier of palm sugar, Zawgyi Premier, in order to determine the potential for developing a net-zero carbon emissions nipa palm sugar production and processing value chain in the Ayeyarwady Delta, Myanmar. Strong consideration was given to Unilever’s commitment for zero deforestation by 2030, its commitment to empower a new generation of farmers and smallholders to protect and regenerate their surrounding environment, and its objective to keep a competitive supply chain and long-term sourcing commitment with potential incremental volumes of nipa palm sugar to source.
This study demonstrates the value of developing partnerships between the private sector and other actors to ensure that investments in new food value chains are aligned with the global consensus of the urgency to take action to combat climate change, protect biodiversity and ensure fair incomes for farmers worldwide.