Indonesia and Malaysia are two countries that dominate global palm oil production. These two countries, together, account for around 85 to 90 percent of total global palm oil production. Indonesia is the largest producer and exporter of palm oil worldwide.
Any supply chain may need improvement, but those that handle base materials for other products are worth noting in particular. One example currently discussed is the logistics cycle surrounding palm oil.
Today, palm oil is an ingredient that most people use daily, and yet a source of concern based on recent fears. Let’s look at some of the problems associated with palm oil sourcing and production.
Key Takeaways
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Table of Content:
Table of Content
Deforestation And Fears Of Poor Processes
Like a lot of popular agricultural products, the way people harvest their palm could have an environmental impact that businesses may want to mitigate. In some cases, merely being associated with these sorts of practices can harm a business. Global Trade Review reported on allegations from Greenpeace UK against the U.K.-based bank HSBC.
Greenpeace reportedly said that the bank was behind companies that didn’t follow sustainable practices. However, the news provider reached out to Brendan McNamara, HSBC Head of NGO engagement, who affirmed the company’s approach to proper procedures.
“HSBC does not knowingly provide financial services which directly support palm oil companies which do not comply with our policy,” McNamara said. “We are not aware of any current instances where customers are alleged to be operating outside our policy and where we have not taken, or are not taking appropriate action.”
In this sense, adhering to policy is another way for businesses to try and enforce proper standards for the sake of the environment.
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Health Claims
Palm oil and related products have also fallen under criticism for their negative health effects. The fat content of palm oil makes it a potential health risk, depending on how you consume the oil. More specific health concerns have dogged Nutella, Ferrero’s popular chocolate spread product.
Some have asserted that Nutella is dangerous in that it causes a higher risk of cancer in consumers. Reuters said that the allegations stem from European Food Safety Authority comments made last year. This organization said that high temperatures could change the qualities of the oil, creating a “contaminant” called GE.
It’s necessary to point out, as the source did, that the EFSA wasn’t recommending that people not consume palm oil and can’t enact regulations itself. In response, Ferrero said it did its due diligence in testing for contaminants and denounced the claim.
The company’s purchasing manager, Vincenzo Tapella, even told Reuters that using palm oil is essential for the quality of Nutella.
Following this example, companies can see the links between production and the claims made against an end product. Although the presence of palm oil in Nutella was reportedly a contentious issue in several countries. All those companies claimed it did not affect its global sales.
Cost
Another factor is cost: not necessarily the cost of the oil itself, but the costs associated with any related changes. According to Reuters, part of the reason to use palm oil is its low cost rather to the other oils.
Multiplying this outward, businesses that rely on this oil may be unlikely to invest the funds necessary to move away from processes they don’t prefer. Within palm oil supply chains, companies may face other challenges impacting their abilities to modernize or make different choices.
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Lack of Transparency
A final, related problem is the need for more visibility within the supply chain proper. In addition to the environmental issues Greenpeace raised, there are also labor concerns, such as possible worker exploitation.
Spend Matters refers to the way palm oil plantations can use foreign worker labor in potentially dangerous and unregulated ways. Once again, the vast use of palm oil leaves this as a possible problem for various industries.
In these cases, strategic sourcing stands to improve current practices, leaving businesses with more efficiency and a better look at what their partners are doing.
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Conclusion
Improving supply chain operations is the only way for a palm oil company to survive in an exceptionally crowded and competitive environment. Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the success of this industry. The chains understand this and have software implementation experts at their disposal.
It will be able to keep up with the changing market situation. HashMicro’s Supply Chain Management Software is a comprehensive solution for the supply chain. It is a platform that allows the company to manage its various operations in one location.
It provides an all-in-one platform for managing logistics, communicating with suppliers, and keeping you informed about inventory levels in real time. Fill out the available form now and boost your supply chain management to the highest level of efficiency.
