THEY’re one of our most iconic manufacturers, making millions of tea-time snacks for hungry Brits.
But Tunnock’s has come under fire from eco-warriors for contributing to the vanishing numbers of tigers and orang-utans.
They claim the popular chocolate treat maker is unwittingly helping wipe out endangered animals because it uses palm oil in its products.
They have even accused the 125-year-old family-run company of refusing to snub palm oil suppliers who clear vast areas of the tropical jungle where the rare animals live to plant the lucrative crop.
Last night, nearly 2,000 people had signed an online petition demanding Tunnock’s stop using palm oil with some even threatening to boycott its biscuits and cakes.
One signer said: “Wafers or Orang-utans? No-brainer really. Bye bye, Tunnock’s.”
Oh @TunnockOfficial, why are you using #PalmOil? I'm boycotting you now. Sort it out http://t.co/4TIoib3fbl #Tunnocks #rainforest 🙁
— Mangina Soyboy (@astrotomato) July 24, 2013
Louise Devlin, who started the petition, said: “Tunnock’s is a well-known and loved brand, not only in Scotland, but around the world.
“Using uncertified palm oil in biscuits is contributing to the destruction of rainforests and the near extinction of orang-utans and tigers.”
The campaign calls for Tunnock’s to stop using palm oil in favour of a more expensive “identity preserved” oil which doesn’t come from cleared plantations.
Tunnock’s Snowballs are made using a blend of palm oil and palm kernel oil, while Tea Cakes include palm oil and shea butter among their ingredients.
These are also found in lots of other everyday products from lipstick to shampoo to margarine.
https://twitter.com/technancy/status/612985231356899328
The Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Society at St Andrew’s University said only a handful of people have thrown their support behind the petition, compared to the millions who enjoy the chocolate treat.
Tea Cake tycoon Boyd Tunnock, 82, whose grandfather launched the company in 1890, is a supporter of animal conservation and a member of the Edinburgh Zoological Society.
He did not wish to comment on the petition when contacted by The Sunday Post.
The biscuit-maker gained international attention after giant versions of its Tea Cakes danced around Celtic Park for last year’s Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.
Greenpeace spokesman Richard George said companies should aim for a “zero deforestation” policy and audit their suppliers to make sure palm oil “doesn’t come from people destroying forests”.
Tunnock’s make three million Tea Cakes every week. Coldplay singer Chris Martin and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon are among their legions of fans.
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