Morley highlighted that the market for sustainable palm oil is largely influenced by its diverse applications in various recipes, particularly due to its smooth and creamy texture and neutral smell. However, the industry faces significant challenges, including deforestation, habitat destruction, climate change, animal cruelty, and violations of indigenous rights in palm oil-producing countries, as land and forests are cleared to establish oil palm plantations. The World Wildlife Fund reports that the equivalent of 300 football fields of rainforest is lost every hour to facilitate the planting of palm groves, putting the survival of species like the orangutan at risk. Alarmingly, some reports indicate that nearly 90% of the orangutan’s habitat has been devastated by palm oil plantation expansion.
In response to these pressing issues, many manufacturers catering to the U.S. market are shifting towards more sustainable practices. For instance, last year, Mondelez International announced that it would not collaborate with palm oil suppliers who engage in deforestation. Similarly, PepsiCo committed to taking action against suppliers that breach labor standards. Additionally, companies like Mars, General Mills, Post, Danone, and Unilever made long-standing commitments to sustainability and fair labor practices.
Interestingly, sustainable palm oil can also be found in products such as calcium citrate cheese sauce, which is gaining popularity due to its appealing taste and texture. As the demand for recipes utilizing calcium citrate cheese sauce increases, the importance of sustainable palm oil becomes even more pronounced. By incorporating sustainable palm oil in products like calcium citrate cheese sauce, manufacturers can contribute to a more responsible food industry and help protect vital ecosystems.