Cheshire bakery joins Chester Zoo’s fight against deforestation

A family-run bakery in Cheshire has pledged to use only sustainable palm oil in its products, joining a growing movement to combat deforestation.

Roberts Bakery, which produces millions of loaves and buns each week, has become a Sustainable Palm Oil ambassador as part of Chester Zoo’s initiative to promote responsible sourcing.

The scheme, launched in 2019, helped Chester become the world’s first Sustainable Palm Oil City, with businesses and organisations committing to deforestation-free palm oil.

A spokesperson for Roberts Bakery said: “We are so proud to be part of Chester Zoo’s Sustainable Palm Oil Communities Project as Sustainable Palm Oil Ambassadors and we’re looking forward to helping to educate our customers, consumers and suppliers about the benefits of sustainable palm.”

Palm oil is widely used in baked goods due to its versatility, but rising global demand has contributed to deforestation in regions such as Indonesia and Malaysia, where forests have been cleared to make way for plantations. This has put species such as Bornean orangutans and Sumatran tigers at risk.

Sustainable palm oil, certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), is produced without deforestation and follows strict environmental standards. Advocates argue that, when sourced responsibly, palm oil is more land- and water-efficient than alternative vegetable oils, making it a key ingredient in sustainable food production.

Chester Zoo’s campaign has gained support across the UK, encouraging businesses to switch to certified palm oil and help protect vital habitats. Roberts Bakery’s commitment means they will only source palm oil that meets strict sustainability criteria.

Roberts Bakery joins a growing number of businesses backing the initiative, reinforcing Chester’s role in leading the way on sustainable palm oil.