Going ’palm oil free’ is a hot topic right now as consumers and manufacturers consider what impact their actions and habits will have on the environment. As consumers become more eco-conscious, it’s clear that every industry, including palm oil, needs to adopt sustainable practices. But those opting to go ‘palm oil-free’ may want to reconsider their motivations as this could contribute to further deforestation – a mere 52 million hectares globally – if we all followed this trend. Compared to palm oil, alternatives like soybean and rapeseed require 4-10 times more land due to their lower yields. By supporting sustainable palm oil, we help reduce the demand for new agricultural land, preserving forests and wildlife.
1. NDPE Policies and Traceability: Protecting Our Planet
Sustainable palm oil production follows strict NDPE (No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation) guidelines, a crucial commitment to protecting forests and wildlife. Certification schemes like the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) scheme require producers to conserve high-value forests and avoid peatlands. Additionally, sustainable palm oil is fully traceable from plantation to product, addressing concerns around deforestation and exploitation. This transparency allows consumers to trust that they’re choosing products that meet rigorous environmental and ethical standards.
2. The Case Against Alternative Oils
While palm oil has a bad reputation, the rise of alternatives like avocado oil and soy oil presents significant environmental challenges. Avocado production has led to the loss of over 130,000 hectares of forest in Mexico between 2016 and 2021 but one of the most alarming impacts of avocados is the amount of water required. It requires around 320 litres of water to produce one single avocado, almost four times the amount to produce almonds for almond milk. Similarly, soy production is a major driver of deforestation, especially in South America where the Amazon is coming under increasing strain. The clearing of forests for soy production releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and contributes to the loss of biodiversity.
Soy also requires a lot of water, and the use of pesticides and fertilizers can pollute waterways. This can lead to eutrophication, which is the growth of algae that can deplete oxygen levels in the water and kill fish and other aquatic life. It also requires a lot of water to grow. This can be a particular problem in areas where water is already scarce, such as in the USA and the semi-arid regions of South America.
By increasing the demand for these alternatives, consumers inadvertently support practices that contribute to more deforestation and higher carbon emissions.
3. Technological Advancements Drive Efficiency
But let’s focus on the good things. Palm oil is already one of the highest-yielding vegetable oils and technological advancements will only increase this. Precision agriculture techniques, satellite imagery, drones and geographic information system mapping are employed to monitor and manage plantations more effectively. This technology allows real-time data on yield predictions, crop conditions and soil health which allows the planters to optimise resources and better improve yield all without expanding land use. This reduces the need for deforestation, even as demand rises.
4. Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Sustainable palm oil production plays a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Forest preservation, efficient land use, and conservation of carbon-rich peatlands all help limit emissions that contribute to global warming. Sustainable practices align with international climate goals, offering ways to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint while supporting economic growth in producer countries.
Conclusion
Perceptions of the environmental impact of oil crops are often impaired by “shortsightedness and double standards” as consumers support the consumption of other products that are increasingly linked to deforestation and habitat destruction. Supporting sustainable palm oil is essential for a sustainable future. By understanding the benefits of NDPE policies, traceability, technological advancements, and climate impact, we empower ourselves to make a difference by making informed choices. Sustainable palm oil allows us to enjoy everyday products without compromising the environment or the well-being of communities—and that’s something we should all care about.