The governments of France, Germany, the UK, Denmark and the Netherlands have officially pledged to make palm oil production 100% sustainable by 2020. By ensuring that they demand only certified sustainable palm oil, these countries aim to force ethical and environmental practice on an industry punishing ecosystems across the globe….
Malaysia currently accounts for 39 percent of world palm oil production and 44 percent of world exports. This makes it one of the biggest players in the industry – one rife with environmental degradation and human rights violations. Pressed by international upset at rampant deforestation, ghastly carbon emissions and working…
The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) has recently been celebrating a predicted rise in demand for sustainable palm oil. According to a Credit Suisse report, “palm should gradually improve its image and see the benefits of a trend toward more ‘natural’ oils. We expect it to grow by 10% on…
More than a month after they started burning, Indonesian forest fires that caused a crippling haze epidemic are still raging strong. The record-breaking burn is due largely to palm oil practices that dry out, expose and otherwise make the peatland beneath them extremely susceptible to fires. As a result of…
Malaysia has been one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of palm oil for the last forty years. Resulting in great environmental controversy, the palm oil industry has also built economies, seen explosive demand increases, found its way into a staggering range of products around the world and lately,…
Palm oil production has been making headlines for its widespread destruction of land, air, water and life, both animal and human, for many years. These days, many people are only aware of the palm oil industry because of its devastating effects on the environment and contributions to climate change –…
The palm oil industry is responsible for tremendous amounts of deforestation, air pollution, soil erosion and human trafficking. It’s a highly controversial subject, and the trade is heavily reproached for its environmental offenses – but one Malaysian producer is setting an example for sustainable palm oil that breaks the mould….