THE RETURN OF SUSTAINABLE PALM OIL 

The Russian-Ukrainian war has caused a bottleneck in the supply of sunflower oil, of which the two states are the world’s leading producers and exporters. As a result, many companies in the agribusiness chain have decided to take a step back and return to using palm oil in their products.

A MEANINGLESS BOYCOTT LASTED TOO LONG

A fact that should prompt reflection: after being unfairly boycotted for years and replaced by many companies under the false belief that “palm oil is harmful to health and the environment,” the commodity is back to ensure food security.

In a time of crisis, the palm oil supply chain has proven to be at an advantage over other oils: it is resilient and sustainable. It has allowed companies to be able to continue to secure products for their consumers, without compromising taste and quality. Moreover, today, thanks to technology and innovative tools, companies have all the means to ensure that the palm oil they purchase and use is sustainable, both environmentally and socially.

A CHANGE OF COURSE HARD TO ADMIT  

However, some companies still struggle to admit the change of course: in some cases the return to the use of palm oil is not clearly and visibly signaled on product packaging and websites; sometimes the claim “palm oil free” is still present. Updating takes time, companies say. But consumers need to be informed. 

This demonstrates that the war on palm oil is not over. Therefore, producing countries need to take advantage of the moment and highlight the excellent performance of sustainable palm oil. It is in situations like these that they can create the conditions for oil palm to be accepted and no longer boycotted.