Table of contents
Introduction
Sustainable palm oil is everywhere. From the food we eat to the cosmetics we use, this versatile oil is a key ingredient in countless everyday products. But its widespread use comes with serious concerns. The palm oil industry has been linked to:
- Deforestation, wiping out vast rainforests.
- Habitat destruction, endangering species like orangutans and tigers.
- Human rights violations, with reports of labor exploitation on some plantations.
Why Certified Sustainable Palm Oil is the Solution
Unlike conventional palm oil, which often contributes to environmental and social issues, certified sustainable palm oil is produced under strict guidelines designed to protect ecosystems, wildlife, and communities. Responsible palm oil farming helps reduce deforestation, promotes ethical labor practices, and ensures long-term sustainability.
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) sets global standards for responsible production. Learn more about its role and certification process here.
What’s in This Guide?
We’ll break down everything you need to know about certified sustainable palm oil, including:
- What it is and how it’s produced responsibly.
- Why it matters for the environment, animals, and people.
- How you can make informed choices to support sustainable supply chains.
What is Palm Oil?
Palm oil is a widely used vegetable oil extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis). Found in everything from snacks to skincare, it is one of the most common ingredients in everyday products. Palm oil comes in two main forms: crude palm oil, which is derived from the fruit’s flesh, and palm kernel oil, extracted from the seed.
Why is Palm Oil So Popular?
Palm oil is in high demand because of its unique properties:
- Neutral taste and odor – It doesn’t alter the flavor of food products.
- Semi-solid at room temperature – Ideal for margarine, spreads, and baked goods.
- Highly efficient – Palm oil accounts for 38% of global vegetable oil production but uses only about 5% of the land dedicated to oil crops, making it far more land-efficient than soybean or rapeseed oil.
- Versatile applications – Used in processed foods, personal care items, biofuels, and even some medical products, such as supplements for vitamin A deficiency.
Where is Palm Oil Found?
You might be surprised at how many products contain palm oil, including:
- Processed foods (cookies, chocolate, instant noodles)
- Personal care products (shampoo, soap, lotion)
- Household goods (detergents, candles)
- Industrial uses (biofuels, lubricants)
- Medical applications (certain supplements and potential benefits for malaria and heart disease)
The Palm Oil Controversy
Despite its efficiency, palm oil production has raised serious environmental and social concerns. Large-scale plantations have contributed to:
- Deforestation – Forests are cleared to make way for plantations, reducing carbon storage and accelerating climate change.
- Loss of biodiversity – Endangered species like orangutans, Sumatran tigers, and rhinos are losing their habitats.
- Social issues – Indigenous communities are displaced, and unethical labor practices, including exploitation and poor working conditions, have been reported.
Palm Oil Sustainability & Industry Regulations
To tackle these concerns, stricter regulations and sustainability efforts are emerging:
- RSPO Certification – The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certifies palm oil that meets environmental and social responsibility standards.
- EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) – Taking effect in December 2024, this regulation restricts the import of palm oil linked to deforestation.
- Palm Oil Innovation Group (POIG) – A stricter initiative pushing beyond RSPO standards for more responsible practices.
As awareness grows, so does the movement toward sustainable palm oil. By choosing certified sustainable palm oil, consumers can help support ethical production practices while still benefiting from this highly efficient crop.
The Problem with Unsustainable Palm Oil
Palm oil is found in thousands of everyday products, but when it’s not sourced responsibly, it comes with serious consequences. The unsustainable palm oil industry is a major driver of environmental destruction, endangering wildlife, harming local communities, and accelerating climate change.
Environmental Impact of Unsustainable Palm Oil
The biggest issue with unsustainable palm oil is its devastating impact on the planet:
- Deforestation – Large-scale rainforest clearing for palm oil plantations destroys ecosystems, particularly in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.
- Habitat Loss – Species like orangutans, Sumatran tigers, elephants, and rhinos are losing their natural habitats as forests are converted into plantations.
- Climate Change – Deforestation contributes to around 2-4% of global greenhouse gas emissions annually, especially when carbon-rich peatlands are drained and burned.
- Soil Degradation – Continuous palm oil farming depletes soil nutrients, leading to erosion and long-term damage to the land.
Understanding the environmental impact of everyday products is crucial. Learn more about the effects of Styrofoam on the environment here.
Impact on Wildlife
The destruction of forests directly threatens endangered species:
- Orangutans – Their populations are declining rapidly due to habitat destruction and illegal poaching.
- Sumatran Tigers – This critically endangered species faces shrinking habitats and increased conflicts with humans.
- Elephants & Rhinos – Both suffer from fragmented habitats, making it harder to find food and increasing their encounters with human settlements.
Social & Ethical Concerns in the Palm Oil Supply Chain
Unsustainable palm oil isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a human rights issue too:
- Land Disputes – Indigenous communities are often displaced as land is taken for palm oil plantations, leading to legal conflicts and loss of traditional livelihoods.
- Poor Working Conditions – Many plantation workers face unsafe conditions, low wages, and exploitative practices.
- Child Labor – Reports show that children are sometimes forced to work in hazardous environments, violating their rights and exposing them to dangerous conditions.
Why Unsustainable Palm Oil is a Problem & How Sustainability Helps
The destructive effects of unsustainable palm oil farming highlight the urgent need for responsible sourcing. Sustainable palm oil ensures:
- Deforestation-Free Production – Certified palm oil is produced without destroying forests or high-conservation areas.
- Wildlife Protection – Sustainable farming methods help prevent biodiversity loss and protect endangered species.
- Fair Labor Practices – Ethical sourcing supports better wages, safer working conditions, and the prevention of labor exploitation.
The Way Forward
The demand for palm oil isn’t going away, but we can push for change. By choosing certified sustainable palm oil, supporting ethical brands, and demanding stronger industry regulations, consumers and businesses can help reduce deforestation, protect wildlife, and improve conditions for workers.
What is Sustainable Palm Oil?
Sustainable palm oil is produced in a way that minimizes environmental damage, protects wildlife, and ensures fair treatment of workers and local communities. Unlike conventional palm oil production—often associated with deforestation and unethical practices—certified sustainable palm oil follows strict guidelines to reduce its negative impact and promote responsible sourcing.
Key Criteria
For palm oil to be considered sustainable, it must meet the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Principles and Criteria (P&C), which include:
- Transparency – Companies must disclose where and how they source their palm oil.
- Deforestation-Free Farming – Plantations should not contribute to deforestation or disrupt natural ecosystems.
- Wildlife Protection – Conservation measures must safeguard species like orangutans, tigers, and elephants.
- Fair Labor Practices – Workers must have safe conditions, fair wages, and protection against exploitation.
- Lower Carbon Footprint – Sustainable palm oil production must limit greenhouse gas emissions and adopt eco-friendly farming techniques.
- Legal Compliance – Producers must follow national and international laws governing palm oil production.
- Responsible Land Use – New plantations must not be developed in high-conservation areas.
The Role of the RSPO
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is the leading global certification body that sets standards for responsible palm oil production. RSPO certification ensures:
- No deforestation or destruction of valuable ecosystems.
- Protection of biodiversity and endangered species.
- Ethical treatment of workers with fair labor conditions.
- Reduction in pollution and environmental harm.
To maintain certification, producers undergo annual audits to verify compliance. Products containing certified sustainable palm oil often feature the RSPO logo, making it easier for consumers to make responsible choices.
Why Certified Sustainable Palm Oil Matters
Certified sustainable palm oil is important because:
- It reduces environmental impact while maintaining palm oil’s efficiency as a high-yield crop.
- It supports farmers and local communities by promoting ethical and fair business practices.
- It helps protect biodiversity by ensuring palm oil farming does not lead to habitat destruction.
- It improves supply chain transparency, allowing consumers to make informed choices.
- It provides a practical alternative to boycotting, which can sometimes shift demand to less efficient crops.
How You Can Help
Consumers play a key role in promoting certified sustainable palm oil by:
- Looking for the RSPO certification logo on products.
- Researching brands to ensure they are committed to ethical sourcing.
- Raising awareness about the benefits of sustainable palm oil.
By choosing certified sustainable palm oil, consumers and businesses can help protect forests, wildlife, and communities while ensuring palm oil remains a viable and responsible resource for the future.
How to Identify Sustainable Palm Oil
Choosing sustainable palm oil helps protect forests, wildlife, and local communities. But spotting it in everyday products isn’t always straightforward. Here’s how you can tell if the palm oil in a product is responsibly sourced:
1. Look for Certified Sustainable Palm Oil Labels
Certifications are the most reliable way to ensure a product contains responsibly sourced palm oil. Look for these trusted labels:
- RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) – The most recognized certification, ensuring environmentally and socially responsible production.
- Rainforest Alliance Certified – Verifies that palm oil meets strict environmental and social standards.
- Palm Oil Innovation Group (POIG) – Enforces sustainability commitments beyond RSPO standards for even stronger environmental protections.
2. Check the Ingredients List
Palm oil is often hidden under different names. If a product doesn’t explicitly mention sustainable palm oil, look for these ingredients:
- Palm kernel oil
- Palm stearin
- Glyceryl stearate
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (commonly found in shampoos and detergents)
- Stearic acid
- Elaeis Guineensis (the scientific name for the oil palm)
If a product contains these ingredients but doesn’t specify its sustainability, check the brand’s sourcing commitments.
3. Research Brand Commitments
Many companies claim to use sustainable palm oil, but not all follow through. Before purchasing, visit the company’s website or consult third-party databases that verify palm oil policies. Brands truly committed to sustainability will provide clear sourcing policies and progress updates.
4. Use Ethical Shopping Tools
Several apps and resources can help you identify products with sustainable palm oil:
- WWF Palm Oil Buyers Scorecard – Ranks companies based on their palm oil commitments.
- Good On You – Evaluates brands on ethical and environmental practices.
- Giki – Provides sustainability ratings for a variety of household products.
5. Choose Brands That Use Certified Sustainable Palm Oil
Some well-known companies leading the way in responsible palm oil sourcing include:
- Unilever
- Nestlé
- Mars, Incorporated
- Ferrero
- The Body Shop
Supporting brands that prioritize sustainability helps drive industry-wide improvements.
6. Look for Transparency and Traceability
Ethical brands are open about where their palm oil comes from. Companies with strong sustainability policies provide supply chain reports and traceability data. If a company isn’t transparent about its palm oil sourcing, it may be best to reconsider your purchase.
Why Boycotting Palm Oil Won’t Help
Palm oil has a controversial reputation due to its links to deforestation, habitat destruction, and unethical labor practices. So, wouldn’t it make sense to just stop using it? Not exactly. Boycotting palm oil altogether can actually do more harm than good. A smarter approach is to support certified sustainable palm oil instead. Here’s why:
1. Alternative Oils Require More Land
Palm oil is one of the most land-efficient crops, producing up to eight times more oil per hectare than other major oil crops. If we switched to alternatives like soybean, coconut, or sunflower oil, we’d need much more land, leading to:
- Increased deforestation in other parts of the world.
- Higher carbon emissions due to expanded agricultural land use.
2. A Boycott Hurts Farmers in Developing Countries
Millions of smallholder farmers, especially in Indonesia and Malaysia, rely on palm oil for their livelihoods. In Indonesia alone, small farmers manage 42% of palm oil plantations, producing around 38% of the nation’s total supply. A total boycott could:
- Leave thousands of families without income, leading to economic instability.
- Force farmers to switch to industries that may be just as damaging, like logging or mining.
3. Unsustainable Palm Oil Won’t Just Disappear
Refusing to buy palm oil doesn’t stop its production. Instead, it can:
- Push sales into unregulated markets with weaker sustainability standards.
- Reduce incentives for companies to invest in responsible palm oil initiatives.
4. Why Supporting Certified Sustainable Palm Oil is the Best Solution
Rather than boycotting, consumers can make a real impact by choosing certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO). Sustainable palm oil helps by:
- Preventing deforestation through strict environmental regulations.
- Protecting endangered species by preserving natural habitats.
- Ensuring fair labor conditions for plantation workers.
- Encouraging businesses to shift toward ethical sourcing practices.
5. How You Can Make a Difference
Instead of cutting out palm oil completely, here’s how you can help:
- Look for RSPO-certified products – These guarantee responsible palm oil sourcing.
- Hold brands accountable – Contact companies and ask about their palm oil policies.
- Spread awareness – Share why certified sustainable palm oil is a better solution than boycotting.
- Use ethical shopping tools – Apps like the WWF Palm Oil Buyers Scorecard can help you find responsible brands.
Companies Using Sustainable Palm Oil
As awareness grows about the environmental and ethical issues linked to palm oil, many companies are taking action to source it responsibly. These brands adhere to strict sustainability guidelines, such as those set by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), to ensure their palm oil sourcing does not contribute to deforestation, habitat destruction, or labor exploitation. Below are some of the key players leading the way in certified sustainable palm oil sourcing.
1. Food & Beverage Companies
- Unilever – A strong advocate for sustainable palm oil, Unilever sources 100% RSPO-certified palm oil and prioritizes supply chain transparency. It has pledged to achieve a deforestation-free supply chain.
- Nestlé – Committed to deforestation-free, fully traceable palm oil sourcing, with a goal of 100% responsibly sourced palm oil.
- Ferrero – Uses 100% RSPO-certified segregated palm oil across all its products, including Nutella and Ferrero Rocher. Recognized as a leader in responsible sourcing.
- Mars, Incorporated – Transitioning to fully traceable and sustainably sourced palm oil.
- Hershey’s – Sources 100% RSPO-certified palm oil and aims for full traceability to the plantation by 2025.
2. Personal Care & Cosmetics Brands
- L’Oréal – Committed to using only RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil, ensuring full traceability and deforestation-free sourcing.
- The Body Shop – Advocates for ethical and sustainable sourcing across all its palm oil-containing products.
- Colgate-Palmolive – Implements sustainable palm oil practices to reduce its environmental impact.
- Procter & Gamble (P&G) – Working toward sourcing 100% sustainable palm oil while advancing industry-wide sustainability efforts.
3. Retail & Supermarket Chains
- Tesco – Sources 100% certified sustainable palm oil for its own-brand products.
- Sainsbury’s – A leader in sustainable palm oil sourcing, ensuring responsible supply chain practices.
- Aldi – Uses sustainable palm oil across its entire product range.
- Waitrose & Partners – Works with suppliers to ensure all palm oil used is sustainable and ethically sourced.
- The Co-operative Group – Among the first major supermarkets to commit to using only certified sustainable palm oil in its own-brand products.
- Target Corporation – Has been transitioning its suppliers to certified sustainable palm oil since 2015.
4. Certified Sustainable Palm Oil Initiatives
- Chester Zoo Sustainable Palm Oil Campaign – Encourages businesses and consumers to support responsible palm oil sourcing.
- Palm Oil Innovation Group (POIG) – Works with brands to go beyond RSPO standards for a more sustainable industry.
- WWF Palm Oil Buyers Scorecard – Rates companies based on their commitment to sustainable palm oil sourcing.
- Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) – The leading organization setting global sustainability standards for palm oil production.
Why Supporting These Companies Matters
Choosing brands that use certified sustainable palm oil helps drive positive change by:
- Encouraging more companies to commit to sustainability.
- Protecting rainforests and endangered species.
- Supporting ethical labor and fair trade practices.
Supporting companies that prioritize certified sustainable palm oil is a more effective approach than boycotting. [Find out why boycotting palm oil isn’t the solution here].
When shopping, look for RSPO certification labels or check a brand’s palm oil policy on its website. Want to make informed shopping decisions? [Learn how to identify sustainable palm oil in products]. Every purchase you make contributes to a more sustainable industry.
What Consumers Can Do
Consumers play a crucial role in driving the sustainable palm oil industry toward greater transparency and environmental responsibility. By making informed choices, supporting ethical brands, and demanding accountability, individuals can help reduce deforestation and protect wildlife. Here’s how you can make a difference:
1. Look for Certified Sustainable Palm Oil Labels
Certifications are the most reliable way to ensure that a product contains responsibly sourced palm oil. Look for:
- RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) – The most widely recognized certification ensuring environmentally and socially responsible production.
- Palm Oil Innovation Group (POIG) – Enforces stricter environmental and ethical guidelines beyond RSPO standards.
- Rainforest Alliance Certified – Supports sustainable farming while promoting biodiversity conservation.
2. Research Brands Before Buying
Use tools and resources to identify brands committed to sustainable palm oil:
- WWF Palm Oil Buyers Scorecard – Ranks companies based on their sustainability efforts.
- Ethical Consumer Guides – Helps consumers choose brands with responsible palm oil sourcing.
- Giki App – Provides sustainability ratings for a variety of products (especially useful in the UK).
3. Reduce Your Palm Oil Consumption Where Possible
Even sustainably sourced palm oil has an impact, so reducing usage where feasible is beneficial:
- Opt for Alternative Oils – Oils like olive or coconut may have a lower environmental footprint in some contexts.
- Eat More Whole Foods – Processed foods often contain palm oil, so choosing fresh ingredients can naturally lower your intake.
4. Demand Transparency from Brands
- Ask Questions – Contact companies and inquire about their palm oil sourcing policies.
- Support Ethical Companies – Choose brands with clear, publicly available sustainability commitments.
- Join Petitions & Campaigns – Advocate for stronger industry regulations and more responsible sourcing.
5. Raise Awareness About Sustainable Palm Oil
Educating others about sustainable palm oil can help shift consumer demand:
- Share Information – Post articles, documentaries, and resources with your network.
- Encourage Smart Shopping – Teach others how to identify sustainable palm oil in products.
- Get Involved – Support initiatives like the Chester Zoo Sustainable Palm Oil Campaign, which promotes better industry standards.
6. Support Conservation Organizations
Many organizations work to protect rainforests and wildlife affected by palm oil production. Consider donating to or volunteering with:
- WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) – Works globally to promote sustainable palm oil practices.
- Rainforest Alliance – Focuses on biodiversity conservation and community protection.
- Orangutan Foundation International – Dedicated to rescuing and protecting orangutans and their habitats.
- Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation – Specializes in rehabilitating displaced orangutans.
Conclusion
Sustainable palm oil isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a vital shift toward ethical and environmentally responsible production. While palm oil is an incredibly efficient and versatile crop, its unsustainable production has caused deforestation, habitat destruction, and human rights abuses. However, the solution isn’t to boycott palm oil altogether—it’s to support sustainable alternatives and demand responsible sourcing.
Key Takeaways:
- Palm oil is highly efficient, producing more oil per hectare than any other vegetable oil.
- Unsustainable production leads to deforestation, biodiversity loss, climate change, and labor exploitation.
- Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) ensures strict environmental and social standards to reduce negative impacts.
- Consumers hold power to influence the industry by choosing RSPO-certified products and holding brands accountable.
- Businesses must take responsibility by ensuring supply chain transparency and eliminating deforestation from their sourcing.
Final Thoughts
The transition to sustainable palm oil is essential for protecting ecosystems, mitigating climate change, and promoting ethical labor practices. Consumers play a crucial role by making informed purchasing decisions, supporting responsible brands, and spreading awareness. Meanwhile, businesses must commit to transparency and ethical sourcing.
By choosing certified sustainable palm oil, advocating for responsible practices, and educating others, we can help create a more ethical and sustainable industry. Sustainable palm oil isn’t just possible—it’s necessary for a world where we can continue to benefit from this valuable resource without harming the planet.Next time you shop, look for RSPO certification and choose products that support a healthier, more sustainable future. Every choice matters!
