Is it possible to produce sustainable palm oil?

Term Paper , 2019 , 25 Pages , Grade: 1,0

Business economics - Business Ethics, Corporate Ethics

Palm oil is a multiplayer, functioning as an ingredient in our everyday food, as an essential ingredient in our cosmetic products and as an energy supplier. We use it on a daily basis, while brushing our teeth with the “Colgate” toothpaste after we ate “Nutella” on toast. After we filled our diesel car with palm oil biodiesel, we probably wash our hands with a “Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap”. In all these products, palm oil is the fundamental ingredient. But where does it come from and how can we identify the problems that occur within the palm oil production?

The edible oil seems to be promising, but in fact causes deforestation, carbon dioxide emissions and the loss of biodiversity. The industries, as well as the end consumers are not aware or do not want to be aware of the fact, that the climate is changing and one essential reason for that is the irresponsible production of palm oil.

With the help of organizations like “Greenpeace” and “Amnesty International”, it is possible to find out what consequences palm oil production already has. According to Greenpeace UK “An area the size of a football pitch is torn down in Indonesia’s rainforest every 25 seconds, with palm oil driving the destruction.” (Nicholls). This leads to my research question: Is it possible to produce sustainable palm oil?

In order to answer my research question, I want to connect its history, as well as the biological process onto the consequences palm oil production already has. Within my essay I will focus on the business and usage of palm oil, showing its unique variety. With the help of examples of different companies, which use palm oil as an ingredient for their products, one has the possibility to form his own opinion on the aspects of sustainability within the palm oil sector.

My goal is to raise awareness of the use of palm oil products and to eliminate preconceptions according the palm oil industry in general.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Historical Background
2.1. Africa
2.2. Asia

3. Process

4. Business
4.1. Supply (Value) Chain
4.2. Companies
4.3. Smallholders
4.3.1. Insetting
4.4. Certifications

5. Usage
5.1. Cosmetics
5.1.1. Dr. Bronner’s and L’Oréal
5.2. Food
5.2.1. Ferrero and Mars Inc
5.3. Energy

6. Risks
6.1. Health Risks

7. Consequences
7.1. Rainforest Destruction
7.2. Human Rights Challenges

8. Conclusion

9. Works Cited

• College: Ruhr-University of Bochum (Englisches Seminar)
• Grade: 1,0
• Author: Julia Franziska (Author)
• Publication Year: 2019
• Pages: 25
• Catalog Number: V464281
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668934306
• ISBN (Book): 9783668934313
• Language: English
• Tags: Business English, Sustainability, Palm Oil