Who We Are

About New Britain Palm Oil Limited

New Britain Palm Oil Limited (NBPOL) is a leading sustainable agribusiness operating across Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Established in 1967, NBPOL has played a foundational role in the development of the palm oil industry in the region and has grown into a fully integrated producer of certified sustainable palm oil.

In 2008, NBPOL was among the first companies globally to achieve certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). By 2012, all of our operating sites, including smallholders, were fully RSPO certified. Sustainability remains central to how we operate, guiding our approach to environmental stewardship, community partnerships and long-term value creation.

In 2015, NBPOL became a wholly owned subsidiary of SD Guthrie, the world’s largest producer of certified sustainable palm oil. Our upstream operations are integrated with a state-of-the-art refinery in Kimbe, West New Britain, managed by SD Guthrie International. This integration ensures the delivery of fully segregated, traceable and certified sustainable palm oil to customers worldwide.

In addition to palm oil, NBPOL produces world-class oil palm seeds through the Dami Research Centre and is Papua New Guinea’s largest commercial producer of beef, as well as the country’s sole commercial producer of sugar under the Ramu Sugar brand.

Long‑Standing Regional Presence

Founded in West New Britain Province in 1967, NBPOL marked the beginning of the commercial palm oil industry in Papua New Guinea. Over the decades, the Group has expanded its footprint and diversified its operations across the region.

Key milestones include the acquisition of beef and copra operations in Numundo in 1993, expansion into the Solomon Islands in 2006 through Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Limited (GPPOL), and the addition of commercial sugar operations with Ramu Agri‑Industries Limited in 2008. Further growth followed with the expansion of palm oil operations into Oro, Milne Bay and New Ireland provinces.

Today, NBPOL operates across multiple provinces, contributing to economic development while supporting local employment, smallholders and landowners.

In addition to our operational footprint, NBPOL plays an active role in developing local enterprise capabilities. We work closely with local vendors and contractors to build technical skills, improve safety and quality standards, and strengthen long‑term commercial partnerships. This approach supports inclusive economic growth while enhancing supply chain resilience across the regions where we operate.

A Responsible Operator

Home to an unparalleled biological diversity, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands are two of the most ethnically diverse countries on the planet. As trustworthy custodians of these unique ecosystems, we have always strived to be responsible operators. We are cognisant of social, economic and environmental concerns while balancing cultural sensitivities and the environment.

Beyond palm oil, NBPOL operates integrated cattle businesses in Papua New Guinea, producing high‑quality beef under the Ramu and Numundo brands. Our beef operations apply responsible land stewardship, animal welfare standards and sustainable grazing practices, contributing to national food security while supporting local livelihoods and downstream value creation.

NBPOL also understands that local community participation in certified sustainable oil palm is a socio-economic necessity and can also accelerate economic development for the people of PNG and Solomon Islands. Our 100% RSPO certification status is inclusive of the smallholders that we purchase fresh fruit bunches from. We continue to maintain the highest standards for sustainable production.

Our History

 

 
 

2024

NBPOL unveiled its new corporate logo, aligning its brand identity with SD Guthrie following the Group’s rebranding. The refreshed logo reflects NBPOL’s continued commitment to sustainability, integration and long‑term growth in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

 
 

2023

Opening of the NBPOL Group Corporate office at Mosa, West New Britain Province

 
 

2022

The first of our sites (GPPOL) certified under the Palm Oil Network Switzerland.

 
 

2021

NBPOL and the NBPO Foundation donated K2.13 million to provincial health authorities in the form of cash, equipment and medical supplies to support the COVID pandemic response

 
 

2020

Achieved #1 in ZSL SPOTT ranking

 
 

2019

2018-19 Management of palm oil refineries transferred to Sime Darby Oils

 
 

2018

Awarded Sustainable Pathfinder Award by Rainforest Alliance (RAN). The first time RAN has awarded such an accolade to a palm oil company.
 

Established a major conservation project at Higaturu for the Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing Butterfly; the World’s largest and one of the rarest butterflies.
 

Acquisition of Markham Farming Company Limited (MFCL) in the Markham Valley, which included copra milling factories in Madang and Buka.

 
 

2017

First SAN Standard certification achieved 
 

Achieved #2 SPOTT ranking NBPOL 
 

Management Training Academy established

 
 

2015

Acquired by Sime Darby Plantation Sdn Bhd 
 

Delisted from London Stock Exchange

 
 

2012

Full RSPO-certified, including smallholders

 
 

2010

Acquisition of MBE, HOP and POL (the Kula Group)

 
 

2009

Listing on London Stock Exchange

 
 

2008

Acquisition of RAI 
 

1st company in the world to become RSPO certified

 
 

2006

Acquisition of GPPOL

 
 

1997

NBPOL Foundation established

 
 

1970

Dami Oil Palm Research Station established

 
 

1967

NBPOL established at WNB