Today’s consumers are increasingly aware of how the choices they make may have an impact on the world they live in. Concerned about their health as well as the potential environmental and social consequences of their purchases, these advocates of change actively seek out food products that align with their values. This growing awareness has led to rising demand for sustainably produced palm oil.

Aware of the nuances of the different vegetable oils, their cultivation and their health benefits, conscious consumers are choosing ethically produced palm oil to demonstrate their support for businesses that are committed to sustainability, transparency and accountability. This, in turn, supports the palm oil industry in its journey to ensure the preservation of the environment, reduction of carbon footprint and promotion of ethical labour practices and well-being of local communities, while also providing a stable and nutritious food source that is cost-effective.

The most common misconception about palm oil is that it is unhealthy. On the contrary, the versatility and nutritional value of this high-yield vegetable oil — found in almost everything from salad dressing to peanut butter — ensure consumers all over the world have access to healthy dietary fats.

Perceived by some as a purely saturated fat, this naturally trans-fat-free vegetable oil actually has a balanced fatty acid ratio comprising 50% saturated fats, consisting of palmitic acid and stearic acid, and 50% unsaturated fats, which are made up of oleic acid and linoleic acid, or Omega-9 and Omega-6 fatty acids, as they are commonly known. In fact, some studies suggest that when incorporated into a balanced diet, palm oil may help improve heart health by raising good cholesterol (HDL).

Palm oil also has a high content of vitamin E and carotenoids, which act as powerful antioxidants that protect cells by neutralising free radicals and minimising damage, promoting overall health. Vitamin E, specifically tocotrienols, have the potential to help with cardiovascular health by lowering plasma cholesterol. Tocotrienols can also enhance the immune system and potentially help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Red palm oil, extracted and refined from crude palm oil, also boasts 15 times more carotenoids than carrots and 50 times more than tomatoes, making it a nutritional powerhouse. These carotenoids in palm oil, which include alpha- and beta-carotene, are converted into vitamin A, the deficiency of which can contribute towards visual impairment, stunted growth in children, infertility and impaired immune system.

Palm oil can also be a valuable ingredient in healthier food formulations. For instance, it can replace unhealthy high-trans fat shortenings in baked goods and serve as a plant-based alternative to dairy creamers or a substitute for milk fat in plant-based milk alternatives. Additionally, it can be used to help cut the trans-fat level in snacks and be a source of healthy fats in energy bars.

To promote sustainable palm oil consumption, the industry has implemented various initiatives to educate consumers as well as retailers and industry professionals, on the nutritional benefits of palm oil and the importance of choosing vegetable oil that is ethically sourced. These efforts include organising campaigns, educational workshops, seminars and collaborations with healthcare professionals. For example, in July 2024, the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) debuted the country’s first comprehensive palm oil education programme aimed at students and educators.

A key step in the industry’s sustainability efforts is the certification of palm oil products. With the nationally mandated and independently audited Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) as its benchmark, the local industry is able to confirm the ethical sourcing of the vegetable oil and promote its derivatives. The MSPO standard encompasses various aspects of sustainable palm oil production, with measures to ensure transparency and accountability in the supply chain.

In March this year, FGV Holdings became the first to use the MSPO logo on its products, notably its Saji brand line-up. Such logos, in addition to clear, informative labelling on the product packaging, make it easier for consumers to make mindful purchasing decisions.

Despite facing criticism, the palm oil industry is doubling down on its sustainability efforts to ensure it maintains its momentum. Beyond the MSPO certifications, many companies have adopted the No Deforestation, No Peat and No Exploitation (NDPE) policy as well as various measures, including the protection of the local biodiversity and critical ecosystems, the creation of wildlife corridors and reforestation. For instance, SD Guthrie, formerly known as Sime Darby Plantation, collaborated with UPM Bintulu to identify conservation areas in its estates in Bintulu, Sarawak.

Planters also invest in community outreach programmes, addressing not only sustainable palm oil production but also broader social issues such as economic empowerment, education, health and hygiene. IOI’s Child Education Initiative, launched in 2021 to provide additional educational opportunities for the children of its plantation workers in Sabah, is a prime example of this. Additionally, it also prioritises fair labour initiatives, including transparent recruitment processes and worker empowerment.

By prioritising such sustainable practices, the palm oil industry can contribute to global health and well-being. This commitment will enhance the global reputation of the Malaysian palm oil industry while securing a sustainable future for the planet.