As the global population continues to grow rapidly, there is a massive increase in the number of mouths to feed.
The worldwide demand for oil has thus surged in the last few years, be it food, cosmetics or industrial applications leading to the doubling of production in the last ten years especially across South East Asia.
One of the key sources of oil production remains palm oil manufacturing. In fact palm oil is the world’s leader in edible oils, as it is the most economical oil producing ten times more yield than any other oil. It also contributes to one third of the world’s vegetable oil making it an essential commodity.
However, palm oil farming has led to massive deforestation and the destruction of carbon rich lands which in turn has been cited as the major contributors to climatic changes.
Besides the dramatic effect on climate change, unbridled palm oil farming is also linked to the loss of habitats of endangered species.
So what can we do?
If we cannot substitute or replace palm oil, we can surely ensure the adoption of sustainable farming practices. With the alarming rate of environmental degradation, it has become imperative in today’s day and age to adopt sustainable practices.
We at Kamani Oil Industries, have always believed that the investment in sustainable practices and good business health is a necessity for attaining lasting success in the industry.
How can manufactures and companies go about doing this?
Green production is the practice of achieving economic gain by improving environmental and social performance which ultimately benefits the society as a whole.
Companies and Manufacturers need to improve productivity and reduce environmental impact by undertaking the following:
- Effective raw material consumption and waste management
- Effective water discharge
- Controlled carbon emissions and toxicity
- Demand for sustainable palm oil which will ultimately drive those in the chain to undertake sustainable practices
- Adoption of CSPO should be the norm of all oil manufacturers
The manufacturing processes should thus employ renewable energy sources such as the solar power, wind energy, etc
How will manufacturers gain from this?
- Reduced consumption of raw materials which in turn leads to cost savings
- Improved efficiency and productivity due to reduce raw material and energy consumption
- Enhanced reputation by demonstrating commitment to green principles
- Improved community relations
However the disheartening fact is that even after five years that the RSPO has implemented its principles and criteria, yet only 7.7 million tones or 15% of the global output is manufactured sustainably.
India and China has shown great unwillingness amongst companies to adopt and invest in sustainable oil manufacturing processes leading to widespread environmental degradation.
It is time, we come together to not only undertake cost effective practices but also fulfill our responsibility towards the environment.
Gauri Iyer is Head, Technical Services at Kamani Oil Industries Pvt Ltd, a leading manufacturer of specialty oils and fats, certified by RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm oil).
