China’s increasing commitment to sustainability is playing a pivotal role in steering the global palm oil industry toward more environmentally conscious and socially responsible practices, industry experts say.
As the world’s third-largest consumer of palm oil, China imports more than six million tons annually, according to the Coconut Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences. Rizal Affandi Lukman, Secretary-General of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), said China’s heightened focus on sustainability has become a key driver in transforming the industry.
“Chinese companies and research institutions are actively contributing to the advancement of sustainability in palm oil through collaborative research and technological innovation,” Lukman told China Daily during his visit to Beijing on April 22.
In a step toward strengthening international cooperation, the CPOPC signed a memorandum of understanding last November with the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products, and the World Resources Institute China. The agreement aims to enhance collaboration between China and major palm oil-producing nations.
China’s state-owned agribusiness giant, the China National Cereals, Oils, and Foodstuffs Corporation (COFCO), has also partnered with Malaysian producer Sime Darby Plantation Berhad to promote trade in sustainably sourced palm oil. The partnership focuses on meeting strict environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, including zero-deforestation commitments.
A prominent example of research collaboration is the joint initiative between Tsinghua University and the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, which explores the potential of palm oil-based biodiesel as a tool to reduce carbon emissions.
“China’s leadership in low-carbon development offers tremendous potential to embed sustainable palm oil into its broader supply chains,” Lukman said. “Looking ahead, the CPOPC intends to expand cooperation with Chinese stakeholders to scale up sustainable practices and improve consumer awareness.”
Founded in 2015 by Indonesia and Malaysia, the CPOPC is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting cooperation and sustainable development within the global palm oil industry.
