Palm oil is derived from the fruit of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis), native to West and Southwest Africa but now predominantly cultivated in Southeast Asia. Its chemical properties make it incredibly versatile: it’s semi-solid at room temperature, has a high melting point, and is resistant to oxidation, which means it can be used to extend the shelf life of food products. These qualities also make it a preferred ingredient in non-food items like soaps, shampoos, and even biofuels. 

Economically, palm oil is attractive because it is the highest-yielding vegetable oil crop per hectare. A single hectare of oil palm can produce about 3.8 tonnes of oil annually, which is significantly more than soybean (0.7 tonnes), sunflower (0.8 tonnes), or rapeseed oils (1.3 tonnes). This high yield makes palm oil a cost-effective ingredient for manufacturers and a lucrative crop for producers.

The methods used in palm oil production raise significant environmental concerns. The expansion of oil palm plantations is a leading cause of deforestation in tropical regions, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia, which account for over 85% of global production. Deforestation contributes to the loss of biodiversity, threatening species like the Sumatran tiger, pygmy elephant, and critically, the orangutan.

Many plantations are established on peatlands—carbon-rich, waterlogged soils that, when drained, release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Forests and peatland are often cleared using fire, a rapid and destructive method that devastates habitats, displaces wildlife, and contributes to haze pollution across Southeast Asia. This not only fuels climate change but also impacts hauora (health) and ecosystems on a significant scale.

Social issues are also prevalent. Land rights conflicts arise when indigenous communities are displaced to make way for plantations. Labour abuses, including poor working conditions, child labour, and, in some cases, indentured servitude, have been reported. The industry’s rapid growth often outpaces the implementation of regulations meant to protect workers and local populations.

One hurdle for consumers trying to avoid palm oil is its labelling. In Aotearoa New Zealand, palm oil can be listed under more than 200 different names, such as “vegetable oil,” “palmitate,” “glyceryl stearate,” or “sodium lauryl sulphate.” This lack of transparency makes it difficult to identify and avoid products containing palm oil, inadvertently contributing to demand.

At first glance, boycotting palm oil seems like the best way to address these issues. However, replacing palm oil with other vegetable oils could lead to even greater environmental harm as the alternative crops require significantly more land to produce the same amount of oil. To meet global demand with these less efficient crops would require the use of more land, potentially leading to deforestation in other sensitive regions.

Moreover, eliminating palm oil could have economic repercussions for countries that rely heavily on its production. Millions of smallholder farmers depend on palm oil cultivation. A sudden decrease in demand could adversely affect these communities.

This brings us back to what I learned at Auckland Zoo about sustainable palm oil. The zoo supports the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), an organisation that certifies palm oil produced under strict environmental and social standards. RSPO certification aims to reduce deforestation, preserve biodiversity, ensure fair labour practices, and engage local communities.

By supporting products that use RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil, consumers can help drive demand for responsibly produced palm oil. This approach encourages producers to adopt sustainable practices without causing the unintended consequences that a total boycott might cause.

Navigating this complex issue isn’t easy, but there are steps we can take:

• Use Resources: Apps like WAZA’s PalmOil Scan can help identify products with sustainable palm oil, making shopping decisions easier.
• Look for Certifications: Seek out products that use RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil. Some companies are transparent about their sourcing and display certifications on their packaging.
• Advocate for Transparency: Support initiatives that require clear labelling of palm oil in products. Greater transparency can empower consumers to make choices aligned with their values.
• Support Conservation Efforts: While Auckland Zoo’s conservation programme is an excellent example, it is not the only organisation working to protect wildlife and promote sustainability. You can also lend your support to local conservation groups, international organisations, or initiatives that contribute to habitat preservation and species protection.

It’s clear that there’s no simple solution to the challenges posed by palm oil production. The issue intertwines environmental science, economics and social justice. By staying informed and making conscious choices, we can contribute to efforts that balance human needs with the health of our planet.

Perhaps by embracing sustainable practices and supporting responsible producers, we can help create a future where both humans and orangutans thrive. Things are usually more nuanced than day-to-day media tends to imply.