New evidence links Singapore's First Resources to Indonesian deforesters

· Investigations · Singapore · Indonesia

Two environmental groups have published new evidence linking Singapore-listed palm oil producer First Resources to Indonesian suppliers accused of forest destruction, according to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. The groups describe operational, commercial, personnel and logistical links between the company and the suppliers, despite First Resources' denials of any connection. ICIJ notes this is not the first time the company has been accused of obscuring its supply chain. The findings add to a long-running scrutiny of palm oil supply-chain transparency, in which traders and producers are increasingly expected to trace the origin of the fruit and oil they buy. How certification bodies and buyers respond to the evidence will determine whether it translates into supply-chain action or remains a reputational dispute.

Why it matters：Supply-chain traceability is the central compliance battleground for agricultural commodities, and documented links to deforestation can expose producers to buyer exclusion and certification loss.

Key points

  • Two environmental groups documented the links, according to ICIJ.
  • First Resources has denied connections to the accused suppliers.
  • ICIJ says the company has previously been accused of obscuring its supply chain.

Sources (original reporting)

More stories from this day