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The viability and desirability of replacing palm oil

Nature Sustainability volume 3, pages 412–418 (2020)Cite this article

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Abstract

The expansion of palm oil cultivation in recent decades has led to substantial increases in greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss from carbon-rich tropical forest. Because of this, there is increased focus on replacement of palm oil in industrial and consumer products. Plant oils like rapeseed and sunflower oil, exotic oils such as coconut oil and shea butter, and microbial single cell oils have been suggested as potential replacements. Here, we review each of these options from a technical, environmental and economic perspective, including the option to improve the sustainability of existing palm oil cultivation practices.

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Acknowledgements

This research has been funded by the Industrial Biotechnology Catalyst (Innovate UK, BBSRC, EPSRC) (EP/N013522/1).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath, UK

    Sophie Parsons

  2. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath, UK

    Sofia Raikova & Christopher J. Chuck

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  1. Sophie Parsons
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  2. Sofia Raikova
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Contributions

S.P. and C.J.C. conceived the initial idea, and developed the structure and concepts of the Perspective. S.P. and S.R. contributed to writing and researching the initial outline, with all authors involved in further content development and revisions. C.J.C. was awarded the initial funding.

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Correspondence to Sophie Parsons or Christopher J. Chuck.

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Parsons, S., Raikova, S. & Chuck, C.J. The viability and desirability of replacing palm oil. Nat Sustain 3, 412–418 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-020-0487-8

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