Sustainable Palm Oil

Palm oil is a fatty vegetable oil produced by squeezing the fleshy fruit harvested from oil palm trees. Palm oil is harvested in Southeast Asia, mainly Indonesia and Malaysia, which produce over 85% of the world's palm oil.

Palm oil is extremely versatile, used in the manufacture and preparation of over 50% of all food products; it keeps butter spreadable, peanut butter smooth, and your potatoes crispy.

As new uses for palm oil have been devised and the global demand for palm oil has increased, farmers have created new plantations by undertaking deforestation (destruction) of vast forest areas. The destruction of these natural areas of forest not only contributes to climate change but is catastrophic for the well-being and, ultimately, the existence of many species, including orangutans in the wild.

It is reported that orangutans will become extinct in the wild within the next 15 years unless we make a change now!

Between 1990 - 2008, palm oil production is said to have been responsible for 8% of the world's deforestation. 

Palm oil production provides a livelihood for many farmers. It is one of the most efficient crops, producing more oil per land area than any equivalent vegetable oil crop. Soybean, coconut or sunflower oil would require between 5 and 10 times the amount of land, potentially worsening the problem if we switch to these oils as a substitute.

Our plan is not to boycott palm oil but to demand sustainable palm oil!

We define sustainable palm oil as palm oil extracted from the fruits of trees that were planted without destroying any forested area or any habitats in the process.

We can help to ensure that the palm oil we use in the future is sustainable by guaranteeing all the products we use are accredited by the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

We have launched a campaign in partnership with Chester Zoo, it is ambitious but would be hugely beneficial for Blackpool. We want Blackpool to be the second-ever community to become palm oil sustainable in the world. Read more about the project here.