Sustainability: Policies & Resources

Policies & Resources

Our Policy Framework

New Britain Palm Oil Limited (NBPOL) operates under the governance framework and policies of the SD Guthrie Group, supplemented by NBPOL‑specific policies that reflect the local operating context in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

Together, these policies guide our approach to sustainability, ethical conduct, human rights, environmental protection and transparency.

Group Policies

NBPOL adopts and implements Group‑level policies and charters issued by SD Guthrie, which apply across all operating subsidiaries.

Responsible Agriculture Charter

The Responsible Agriculture Charter covers commitments to: 

  • Protecting and conserving biodiversity and ecosystems, including carrying out HCV and HCSA assessments for new developments.
  • No deforestation and no new development on peat.
  • Reducing climate change impacts and enhancing resilience.
  • Zero use of fire for land preparation.
  • Promoting responsible consumption and production and complying with all legal requirements and available best management practices.

Human Rights Charter

The Human Rights Charter covers commitments to:

  • Respecting legal, customary or user rights of local communities and Indigenous peoples.
  • Undertaking free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) before any new development.
  • Respecting and upholding labour rights, including eradicating any form of exploitation, providing decent and fair wages, providing reasonable working hours, and adequate housing with access to basic needs.
  • Providing a safe and healthy working environment.
  • Promoting diversity and inclusion by providing equal opportunities and not tolerating discrimination.
  • Zero tolerance for sexual harassment and abuse.
  • Eradicating child labour and upholding children’s rights.
  • Protecting human rights defenders (HRD), whistle blowers, complainants and community spokespersons.
Human Rights Charter 2024

This is further supported by standalone policies and positions such as the Policy on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, the SD Guthrie Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement, and a whistleblowing policy.

Code of Business Conduct

The Code of Business Conduct guides the standards of behaviour expected of directors and employees.

NBPOL ‑ Specific Policies & Procedures

We also have specific policies and positions per the unique context of operating in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands

Specific Policies

The Human Rights Charter covers commitments to:

  • A commitment to protecting rare, threatened, and endangered species and those endemic to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, and respecting designated conservation areas.
  • A policy to protect employees and families from HIV/AIDS, per Papua New Guinea’s national HIV/AIDS policy.
  • The One Hour Principle policy, ensuring that communities have access to schooling, potable water and health services within a one-hour walk radius.

Grievances & Whistleblowing Procedures

NBPOL maintains formal procedures to manage grievances in a practical, timely and transparent manner for all affected parties.

Grievance handling and whistleblowing are governed by:

  • NBPOL Grievance Procedures
  • SD Guthrie Group Whistleblowing Policy 
Grievance & Transparency Whistleblowing
External Disclosure & Public Platforms

To support transparency, NBPOL makes information available through publicly accessible platforms.

Maps & Spatial Data

Operational, smallholder, lease and conservation maps are available via:

  • SD Guthrie Crosscheck 2.0
  • RSPO GeoRSPO
Crosscheck 2.0 GEORSPO

Fire & Hotspot Monitoring

Our hotspots and fires are monitored through SD Guthrie’s remote sensing platform, an around-the-clock monitoring system using NASA satellite data. Hotspot and fire data are also available on Geo RSPO.

RSPO Submissions & Reports