The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certifies palm oil produced according to its environmental and social principles. For buyers, the certification system offers four distinct supply-chain models. Each model controls how certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO) is tracked from plantation to end product.
Identity Preserved (IP)
Identity Preserved is the strictest model. Certified oil from a single, known plantation is kept physically separate from all other palm oil throughout the supply chain. Every tank, vessel, and pipeline is dedicated to that specific source. IP guarantees the buyer that the oil in their product comes directly from that one certified mill and plantation. This model is used by buyers who require full traceability to origin.
Segregated (SG)
Segregated allows certified oil from multiple RSPO-certified sources to be mixed, as long as it never touches non-certified oil. The supply chain is physically separated: dedicated storage, transport, and processing lines. The buyer receives certified oil, but the exact plantation of origin is not guaranteed. Segregated is the most common model for buyers who want certified content without the cost of full identity preservation.
Mass Balance (MB)
Mass Balance is a bookkeeping model. Certified and non-certified oil are physically mixed throughout the supply chain. The system tracks the volume of certified oil entering a facility and ensures an equivalent volume of certified oil is sold as Mass Balance. The buyer receives a blend, but the seller claims only the certified volume. This model is widely used because it does not require separate logistics, making it more accessible and cheaper for large-volume buyers.
Book & Claim (B&C)
Book & Claim, also known as GreenPalm, is a certificate-trading model. No physical certified oil moves through the buyer’s supply chain. Instead, the buyer purchases RSPO-certified credits from certified producers. Each credit represents one tonne of CSPO. The buyer can claim support for sustainable production without handling certified oil. This model is the simplest and lowest-cost option for companies that want to contribute to sustainable palm oil but cannot physically segregate their supply chain.
Choosing a Model
Procurement managers should consider their company’s sustainability commitments, budget, and supply-chain complexity. IP offers maximum traceability but at the highest cost and complexity. Segregated balances traceability and cost. Mass Balance is practical for large, integrated supply chains. Book & Claim is the entry-level option for sustainability claims without operational changes.
Each model has its own certification requirements and audit trails. All four are valid under the RSPO system, and many buyers use a combination to meet different customer and regulatory demands.