Why Sustainable Palm Oil?

We are in a climate crisis. Unsustainable agricultural production of various crops can exacerbate climate change, destroy ecosystems, and endanger wildlife. They can also cause conflicts over land ownership and erode workers’ rights. However, while unsustainable production can have widespread negative impacts, sustainable production is part of the solution. A good example of that is sustainably produced palm oil, which can indeed be part of the solution! Sustainable palm oil is the best alternative to conventional palm oil.

Sustainably Produced Palm Oil

Palm oil is an incredibly productive crop with yields topping any other vegetable oil. Research shows that when palm oil is produced sustainably, with zero deforestation, the plantations can be a positive element in the local agroecological system, even attracting wildlife. The environment, workers’ rights, and the land rights of local people are all protected and livelihoods improved.

Why Choose Sustainable Palm Oil?

Below we set out the main reasoning why researchers, conservation organisations, and NGOs are convinced it is better to choose sustainable palm oil rather than to ban palm oil products.

 

Sustainably Produced Palm Oil Helps to Protect the Environment

Sustainable palm oil is important for meeting the globally rising demand for food. There is increasing evidence that, when palm oil is produced sustainably, palm oil is also contributing to preserving ecosystems.

HUTAN-Dzulirwan Takasi @ Jolirwan2

Sustainably Produced Palm Oil Creates Robust Livelihoods

Growing oil palms and harvesting their fruits provides a major source of income for 3-4 million smallholder farmers who depend partly or solely on palm oil for their livelihoods.

H. Misdan, Community Leader

Sustainable Palm Oil Producers Implement Decent Living Wages

The palm oil industry is the first sector in global agricultural production to have a certification scheme that fully requires the implementation of a Decent Living Wage (DLW).

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Buying Sustainable Palm Oil Drives Industry Transformation

According to data generated by the European Palm Oil Alliance and the Initiative Sustainable Trade, 86 % of palm oil used in Europe is now RSPO certified sustainable.

Why is palm oil bad for the environment?

Unlike sustainably produced palm oil, unsustainable produced palm oil has significant negative implications for the environment. One of the main concerns is deforestation, as vast areas of tropical rainforests are cleared to make way for palm oil plantations. This deforestation destroys crucial habitats for numerous endangered species, such as orangutans, leading to biodiversity loss. 

Because of the negative impact of unsustainable produced palm oil, it is important to choose products containing sustainable palm oil.

Sustainably produced palm oil adheres to stringent environmental standards, ensuring minimal impact on forests, wildlife, and climate while supporting the local agroecological system.

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