PALM OIL CAN THE PALM OIL INDUSTRY BECOME

PALM OIL CAN THE PALM OIL INDUSTRY BECOME SUSTAINABLE?

WHAT IS PALM OIL AND WHERE DO WE USE IT? Palm oil is the most widely produced edible vegetable oil in the world Worldwide palm oil consumption by use 5% 24% 71% 85% of global exports are from Malaysia and Indonesia Foods (margarine, processed foods, choclate, etc. ) Consumer products (cosmetics, detergents, candles, etc. ) Electricity (electricity, heating, fuels, etc. )

BENEFITS AND ISSUES • Very high yield - eight to ten times more than other oil seeds • Properties make it great for cooking • Rural communities - employment and education – Dependence on global markets • Environmental impact • Social impact • Economic issues

ROUNDTABLE ON SUSTAINABLE PALM OIL • Private certification scheme set up mostly by members of the palm oil industry as well as social and environmental NGOs • 8 central principles to ensure economic, environmental and social sustainability

ISSUES AROUND THE RSPO • Different schemes with different effect – Some allow mixing of certified and conventional oil • Weak enforcement of criteria • Lenient around deforestation and peat land use

WHERE DOES CHANGE NEED TO COME FROM? • Consumer choice? • Business policies? • Government legislation? • International regulation?

ANY QUESTIONS? Adam Harland, Chiara Miescher, Denitsa Rahnev