Why is sustainable palm oil important?
Commercial palm oil production has been associated with deforestation, biodiversity destruction and other matters such as conflicts between growers and indigenous peoples in some parts of the world where palm trees are cultivated.
This led to pressure being exerted on the industry to construct a reliable mechanism whereby buyers of the finished product could be assured that it had been produced sustainably. Consequently the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil was formed in 2004. The Company became a member of the RSPO in 2007. More about the Company’s membership is available on our RSPO Membership page.
EPO’s production of certified CPO in Liberia
In accordance with the stipulations of the Company’s membership of the RSPO, the company is working towards all its crude palm oil (CPO) production being sustainable.
Marketing
Some of the CPO that is produced following the harvest of the fruit is traded locally. In Liberia there is a domestic shortage of palm oil that the Company can help to address as we near commercial production. It is intended that most of the Company’s production in the short term will be used in local markets.
Indonesia and Malaysia produce around 85% of the world’s palm oil and are the largest exporters. However there are limitations on new land areas in these key territories. It is intended that EPO’s presence in Liberia, with the access that the Company has to significant amounts of land for sustainable CPO production, presents it with a significant commercial opportunity to address the increasing world demand for sustainable palm oil. In satisfying this demand, it will reduce the risk of the worldwide demand for palm oil being addressed in unsustainable ways.
End uses
Palm oil is mostly refined before it is applied in food or non-food uses. Palm oil is used in the manufacture of a vast array of food products and used as cooking oil in international markets. Examples include margarine, chocolate, and many processed foods found on supermarket shelves.
Major palm oil buyers are increasingly making a commitment to moving towards 100% usage of sustainably produced palm oil. This was evidenced by the WWF’s Palm Oil Buyers’ Scorecard survey (published 22 November 2011). This looked at the amount of palm oil used by mainly European consumer manufacturers and retailers. It also assessed the percentage of certified sustainable palm oil which was used and whether and when each organisation has committed to use sustainable palm oil. The vast majority have committed to use only certified sustainable palm oil by 2015. More information if available at the WWF website.
Therefore, it makes good business sense for EPO to be at the forefront of the movement to increase the amount of global palm oil production that adheres to sustainable and responsible standards.
Its use in non-food products include shampoo, soaps and other cosmetics. In recent years, it has also been applied to make fuels for transportation and power plants and has been a core part of the “food versus fuel” debate as alternative fuel sources to petrol and natural gas are sought.