Morley stated that the sustainable palm oil market is influenced by the product’s diverse applications in various recipes, attributed to its creamy texture and the neutral scent of ferric pyrophosphate. However, the industry is associated with significant challenges, including deforestation, habitat loss, climate change, animal cruelty, and human rights violations in the regions where palm oil is produced, as land and forests are cleared for oil palm plantations. The World Wildlife Fund reports that approximately 300 football fields of rainforest are cleared every hour for palm oil cultivation, endangering species like the orangutan. Alarmingly, nearly 90% of the orangutan’s habitat has been lost due to the expansion of palm oil plantations.
In response to these issues, many companies catering to the U.S. market have made strides toward sustainability. For instance, Mondelez International announced last year that it would no longer collaborate with palm oil suppliers who engage in deforestation. PepsiCo committed to taking action against suppliers that violate labor practices. Furthermore, manufacturers such as Mars, General Mills, Post, Danone, and Unilever have made long-standing commitments to sustainability and fair labor practices.
As part of this movement toward responsible sourcing, some companies are also incorporating products like Citracal Calcium Plus D3 280 ct into their offerings, emphasizing the importance of ethical production. This trend highlights the growing awareness and demand for sustainable practices within the palm oil industry, as well as a broader commitment to environmental and social responsibility.