Initial trials show a promising picture, although the obstacles are daunting. The world's cheapest and most widely used vegetable oil is palm oil. Its extraction (production) is directly linked to the irreversible deforestation of tropical forests and the loss of biodiversity in these regions. Palm oil production is associated not only with environmental issues but also with extremely arduous labour. The industry is crying out for sustainable alternatives, which undoubtedly require time and effort, as, for example, the extraction and production of other types of vegetable oils face similar drawbacks. Furthermore, one must take into account the ever-increasing demand: the world consumes 70 million tonnes of palm oil annually, using it in the production of everything from toothpaste and oat milk to biodiesel and laundry detergents. Forecasts suggest that demand will double by 2050.
Photo by Nanang Sujana