On March 7, 2013 The Wall Street Journal reported that Dunkin’ Donuts had agreed to source sustainable palm oil, in response to pressure from the New York State Common Retirement Fund, which owns $1.9 million of Dunkin’ Donut shares.
According to the article, “New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli says Dunkin’ Brands Group will set a target date in its next Corporate Social Responsibility report for sourcing 100 percent sustainable palm oil or for purchasing offset certificates covering its sourced palm oil.”
Dunkin’ Donuts’ change in policy came in response to a shareholder resolution filed by Mr. DiNapoli, which has now been withdrawn.
As of March 11, 2013 Dunkin’ Donuts has not published any information about the policy change on its website.
Dunkin’ Donuts joins other companies which recently began to embrace sustainable palm oil. In February 2013, Starbucks announced that it would use only sustainable palm oil by 2015. Starbucks’ shift also came in response to shareholder pressure.
You may read the article on The Wall Street Journal internet site.