In this episode of the Supply Geek podcast, host Ben Thornton-Jones engages with Judith Murdoch, a palm oil expert, to explore the complexities of the palm oil industry. They discuss the origins, uses, and the significant role palm oil plays in various products. Judith shares insights into the scale of production, the importance of smallholders, and the challenges faced by the industry, including deforestation and labor issues. The conversation also highlights the efforts of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) to promote sustainable practices and the implications of the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) on the industry. The episode emphasizes the need for consumer awareness and support for sustainable palm oil initiatives.

Takeaways

• Palm oil is a highly versatile and productive crop.
• The palm oil industry is significant for many everyday products.
• Smallholders contribute a large portion of palm oil production.
• Deforestation and labor issues are major challenges in the industry.
• The RSPO aims to promote sustainable palm oil practices.
• Consumer awareness is crucial for supporting sustainable palm oil.
• The EUDR aims to regulate deforestation linked to palm oil.
• Palm oil has a complex history and cultural significance.
• Sustainable sourcing can help mitigate environmental impacts.
• Education and healthcare access are vital for improving conditions in palm oil communities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Supply Chains and Palm Oil

01:40 Judith Murdoch's Journey into Palm Oil

05:26 Understanding Palm Oil: Origins and Uses

12:35 The Ubiquity of Palm Oil in Everyday Products

19:04 The Scale of Palm Oil Production

21:39 The Role of Smallholders in Palm Oil Production

32:16 Challenges Facing the Palm Oil Industry

47:48 The RSPO and Sustainable Palm Oil Initiatives

58:33 The EUDR and Its Implications for Palm Oil

Keywords

palm oil, supply chain, sustainability, RSPO, deforestation, smallholders, environmental impact, consumer awareness, palm oil production, ethical sourcing