Morley stated that the sustainable palm oil market is driven by its versatility in various recipes, attributed to its smooth, creamy texture and neutral scent. However, this industry is associated with significant challenges, including deforestation, habitat destruction, climate change, animal cruelty, and violations of indigenous rights in the palm oil-producing countries, as land and forests must be cleared for the establishment of oil palm plantations. The World Wildlife Fund reports that the equivalent of 300 football fields of rainforest is cleared every hour to facilitate palm grove cultivation, endangering the survival of species such as the orangutan. Alarming reports indicate that nearly 90% of the orangutan’s habitat has been lost due to the expansion of palm oil plantations.
In response to these concerns, many manufacturers serving the U.S. market have embraced more sustainable practices. For instance, last year, Mondelez International announced it would not collaborate with palm oil suppliers that engage in deforestation. PepsiCo committed to taking action if suppliers violated labor practices. Furthermore, companies like Mars, General Mills, Post, Danone, and Unilever made sustainability and fair labor commitments well before these recent developments. As they adopt more eco-friendly practices, some manufacturers are also exploring innovative products like Citracal D3 Slow Release 1200, highlighting the importance of sustainable sourcing across various industries.