Celebrating Malaysian palm oil
June, 2017 in Special Focus, Issue 2 - 2017
Malaysia became the first country to produce and export certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO).
Consumption of vegetable oils has grown over the last decade, in tandem with an increase in the global population. As a key commodity, palm oil is traded to satisfy the demand for oils and fats. This necessitated the expansion of oil palm plantations. However, some quarters then questioned the industry’s sustainability credentials and impact on the environment.
In 2004, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) was set up to promote the production and use of sustainable palm oil through a credible global standard derived in consultation with stakeholders. Following pilot implementation, the RSPO’s Principles & Criteria for sustainable production of palm oil were finalised in November 2007.
Certification of oil palm plantations began in 2008. Malaysia became the first country to produce and export CSPO, when one of its companies received the inaugural RSPO certification. To date, Malaysia accounts for 31% of global CSPO production and the volume is growing.
