Palm oil news December 2025
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December 13, 2025
Solidaridad and Propcom Plus to Partner Enugu Govt On Sustainable Oil Palm Production
An international civil society group, Solidaridad, in partnership with Propcom Plus, a climate-smart agricultural programme powered by the United Kingdom (UK) Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is supporting Enugu State government in the development of a sustainable oil palm policy.
Solidaridad, which operates in over 40 countries across five continents, has been in existence for over 55 years, working to create resilient communities and sustainable supply chains and promoting sustainable land-use planning and production in oil palm.
In partnership with Propcom Plus, the organisation concluded a stakeholder engagement on Thursday in Enugu, as part of ongoing consultations to support the development of a sustainable oil palm policy for the state government.
The joint efforts are geared toward the formulation and adoption of the Enugu State Sustainable Oil Palm Policy (ESSOP).
At the event, Solidaridad programme manager, Mr Kene Onukwube, explained that the policy is designed to promote inclusive, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable oil palm production in the state, with the goals of enhancing productivity, reducing deforestation and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
He hinted that Solidaridad implements the National Initiative for Sustainable and Climate-Smart Oil Palm Smallholders (NISCOPS) in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Enugu and Kogi states.
“The programme is improving land-use practices, ensuring that more oil palm landscapes are sustainably managed and climate-resilient.
“It is also increasing the incomes of smallholder farmers and creating exclusive markets for sustainably produced palm oil,” he said.
In his remark, Enugu State Commissioner for lands, Barrister Chimaobi Okorie, thanked Solidaridad and its partners for their interventions in the state, assuring that the Governor Peter Mbah-led administration is fully committed to ensuring that an acceptable ESSOP document is put in place.
Participants at the consultative engagement included representatives from the state ministries of land, environment, trade and commerce, and agriculture as well as the Oil Palm Growers Association of Nigeria (OPGAN), the National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN), traditional rulers, and civil society organisations. Leadership NG
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Presco acquires 10,000 hectares Nsadop, Boki plantations in new expansion drive
Nigeria’s largest oil palm producer, Presco Plc, said today it’s acquiring 10,000 hectares across the Nsadop and Boki plantations in Cross River State in its latest expansion move.
The palm oil maker said the acquisition will significantly expand its production footprint and strengthen the company’s ability to meet the rapidly growing domestic demand for edible oil products.
It also sees the new move unlocking new agronomic potential while securing a broader raw material base to support higher processing and refining throughput across Presco’s value chain.
“This acquisition is a decisive execution of the commitments we made to our shareholders,” Reji George, managing director and CEO of Presco Plc said.
The Edo-based crude oil palm maker has been on an aggressive expansion strategy as it acquires Ghana Oil Development Company (GOPDC) and Saro Oil Palm Limited (SOP) in a combined deal worth $171.6 million.
The renewed expansion drive led to the opening of a N237 billion rights issue targeted at existing shareholders to fund the various acquisitions.
“Nsadop and Boki are strategically located estates that complement our existing operations and expand the scale required to power our mills and refineries at higher capacity,” George said.
“This move is not only about expanding land, it is about strengthening our leadership, securing long-term supply, and reinforcing our belief in the future of Nigeria’s agribusiness sector,” he added.
Analysts see the acquisitions playing a significant role in helping Presco advance its profitability streak while maintaining its upward growth trajectory. Business DayNG
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Handover of illegal palm oil and mining operations to PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara does not solve problems of legality says PUSTAKA ALAM
InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – December 12, 2025 — The Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (PKH Task Force) reported that it had collected fines totaling Rp 38.6 trillion from 71 palm oil and mining companies operating without permits in forest areas. As of December 8, 2025, enforcement had covered an area of 3,771,467.31 hectares. Of this total area, 1,504,625.21 hectares were transferred to the state-owned company, PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara.
However, this move has drawn sharp criticism. The Center for the Study and Advocacy of Natural Resources Law (PUSTAKA ALAM) believes that the handover of the cleared land to PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara has actually created new problems.
This is because the company allegedly lacks the required permits—including a KKPR/Location Permit, a Mining Business License (IUP), environmental approval and AMDAL (Environmental Impact Assessment), as well as a forest area release permit and HGU (HGU) permit.
According to the Director of PUSTAKA ALAM, Muhamad Zainal Arifin, this action raises major questions about the direction and objectives of the forest area regulation program. "There is no legal basis for the state to hand over millions of hectares of land to entities that have no permits at all and then allow them to operate immediately. The Task Force's actions have actually created new disorder by facilitating illegal plantation practices," he said in an official statement received by InfoSAWIT on Saturday (12/13/2025). Infosawit
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Illegal palm oil plantations in Berbak and Sembilang National Park, Sumatra, removed in joint agency operation
Kota Jambi (ANTARA) - The Berbak and Sembilang National Park Office conducted a joint patrol to eradicate nearly 99 hectares of illegal palm oil plantations inside the national park area.
“Encroachment control is carried out to protect the peat ecosystem. This operation aims to curb encroachment and maintain the sustainability of the national park’s ecological functions,” TNBS Head Yunaidi said in Jambi on Saturday.
He said the operation was carried out from December 4 to 10, 2025, targeting encroachment in the protected peat swamp ecosystem.
The operation took place at the Sungai Rambut Resort, under National Park Management Section Region I, located administratively in Sungai Palas Hamlet, Rantau Rasau Village, Berbak sub-district, East Tanjung Jabung District.
Yunaidi said the operation involved 51 joint personnel from six institutions, including the TNBS Office, the Sumatra Forestry Law Enforcement Agency, the police, the army, sub-district and village authorities, and Forestry Police Community Partners.
Using chainsaws, machetes, and other equipment, the team cleared illegal palm oil plantations, eradicating approximately 98.88 hectares of land.
He emphasized that the area cleared during the operation was different from locations currently under legal prosecution. The TNBS Office confirmed that the eradication site is separate from an encroachment area involved in an ongoing forestry crime case with two suspects.
The clarification was provided to ensure accurate public information and to prevent the perception that the operation was directly linked to the ongoing legal process.
Berbak and Sembilang National Park is one of the most important peat swamp ecosystems in Sumatra and serves as a habitat for various wildlife species, including protected animals.
Encroachment and land clearing for plantations, including illegal palm oil cultivation, can damage ecosystem structures and increase the risk of forest and land fires.
The security operation forms part of the national park office’s regular efforts to curb encroachment, preserve peatland hydrology, protect biodiversity, and strengthen integrated, community-based patrol monitoring.
The TNBS Office expressed its appreciation to all parties involved and stressed the importance of cross-agency cooperation to ensure the conservation area remains protected. Antara News
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Building Climate-Resilient Farms: FORTASBI Guides Independent Smallholders Toward Low Emissions
PALMOILMAGAZINE, YOGYAKARTA — The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, creating serious challenges for independent oil palm smallholders. Unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, and rising pest and disease attacks are putting the future of smallholder plantations at greater risk. In this situation, sustainability, adaptation, and mitigation efforts are essential to maintaining productivity and ensuring long-term resilience.
According to the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil Farmers Forum (FORTASBI), the organization has supported 60 independent smallholder groups throughout 2025, all of whom share a dual commitment: improving productivity while implementing sustainable farming practices. FORTASBI considers this commitment a crucial foundation in facing climate-related threats on the ground.
FORTASBI has been actively strengthening the climate-mitigation capacity of its members. Throughout the year, the organization has conducted various trainings, including regenerative agriculture, Carbon Training of Trainers (ToT), and workshops on carbon footprint assessment and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction for hundreds of farmers. These activities aim to equip smallholders with the skills to implement low-carbon plantation management. Palm Oil Magazine
Solidaridad and Propcom Plus to Partner Enugu Govt On Sustainable Oil Palm Production
An international civil society group, Solidaridad, in partnership with Propcom Plus, a climate-smart agricultural programme powered by the United Kingdom (UK) Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is supporting Enugu State government in the development of a sustainable oil palm policy.
Solidaridad, which operates in over 40 countries across five continents, has been in existence for over 55 years, working to create resilient communities and sustainable supply chains and promoting sustainable land-use planning and production in oil palm.
In partnership with Propcom Plus, the organisation concluded a stakeholder engagement on Thursday in Enugu, as part of ongoing consultations to support the development of a sustainable oil palm policy for the state government.
The joint efforts are geared toward the formulation and adoption of the Enugu State Sustainable Oil Palm Policy (ESSOP).
At the event, Solidaridad programme manager, Mr Kene Onukwube, explained that the policy is designed to promote inclusive, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable oil palm production in the state, with the goals of enhancing productivity, reducing deforestation and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
He hinted that Solidaridad implements the National Initiative for Sustainable and Climate-Smart Oil Palm Smallholders (NISCOPS) in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Enugu and Kogi states.
“The programme is improving land-use practices, ensuring that more oil palm landscapes are sustainably managed and climate-resilient.
“It is also increasing the incomes of smallholder farmers and creating exclusive markets for sustainably produced palm oil,” he said.
In his remark, Enugu State Commissioner for lands, Barrister Chimaobi Okorie, thanked Solidaridad and its partners for their interventions in the state, assuring that the Governor Peter Mbah-led administration is fully committed to ensuring that an acceptable ESSOP document is put in place.
Participants at the consultative engagement included representatives from the state ministries of land, environment, trade and commerce, and agriculture as well as the Oil Palm Growers Association of Nigeria (OPGAN), the National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN), traditional rulers, and civil society organisations. Leadership NG
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Presco acquires 10,000 hectares Nsadop, Boki plantations in new expansion drive
Nigeria’s largest oil palm producer, Presco Plc, said today it’s acquiring 10,000 hectares across the Nsadop and Boki plantations in Cross River State in its latest expansion move.
The palm oil maker said the acquisition will significantly expand its production footprint and strengthen the company’s ability to meet the rapidly growing domestic demand for edible oil products.
It also sees the new move unlocking new agronomic potential while securing a broader raw material base to support higher processing and refining throughput across Presco’s value chain.
“This acquisition is a decisive execution of the commitments we made to our shareholders,” Reji George, managing director and CEO of Presco Plc said.
The Edo-based crude oil palm maker has been on an aggressive expansion strategy as it acquires Ghana Oil Development Company (GOPDC) and Saro Oil Palm Limited (SOP) in a combined deal worth $171.6 million.
The renewed expansion drive led to the opening of a N237 billion rights issue targeted at existing shareholders to fund the various acquisitions.
“Nsadop and Boki are strategically located estates that complement our existing operations and expand the scale required to power our mills and refineries at higher capacity,” George said.
“This move is not only about expanding land, it is about strengthening our leadership, securing long-term supply, and reinforcing our belief in the future of Nigeria’s agribusiness sector,” he added.
Analysts see the acquisitions playing a significant role in helping Presco advance its profitability streak while maintaining its upward growth trajectory. Business DayNG
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Handover of illegal palm oil and mining operations to PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara does not solve problems of legality says PUSTAKA ALAM
InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – December 12, 2025 — The Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (PKH Task Force) reported that it had collected fines totaling Rp 38.6 trillion from 71 palm oil and mining companies operating without permits in forest areas. As of December 8, 2025, enforcement had covered an area of 3,771,467.31 hectares. Of this total area, 1,504,625.21 hectares were transferred to the state-owned company, PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara.
However, this move has drawn sharp criticism. The Center for the Study and Advocacy of Natural Resources Law (PUSTAKA ALAM) believes that the handover of the cleared land to PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara has actually created new problems.
This is because the company allegedly lacks the required permits—including a KKPR/Location Permit, a Mining Business License (IUP), environmental approval and AMDAL (Environmental Impact Assessment), as well as a forest area release permit and HGU (HGU) permit.
According to the Director of PUSTAKA ALAM, Muhamad Zainal Arifin, this action raises major questions about the direction and objectives of the forest area regulation program. "There is no legal basis for the state to hand over millions of hectares of land to entities that have no permits at all and then allow them to operate immediately. The Task Force's actions have actually created new disorder by facilitating illegal plantation practices," he said in an official statement received by InfoSAWIT on Saturday (12/13/2025). Infosawit
--------
Illegal palm oil plantations in Berbak and Sembilang National Park, Sumatra, removed in joint agency operation
Kota Jambi (ANTARA) - The Berbak and Sembilang National Park Office conducted a joint patrol to eradicate nearly 99 hectares of illegal palm oil plantations inside the national park area.
“Encroachment control is carried out to protect the peat ecosystem. This operation aims to curb encroachment and maintain the sustainability of the national park’s ecological functions,” TNBS Head Yunaidi said in Jambi on Saturday.
He said the operation was carried out from December 4 to 10, 2025, targeting encroachment in the protected peat swamp ecosystem.
The operation took place at the Sungai Rambut Resort, under National Park Management Section Region I, located administratively in Sungai Palas Hamlet, Rantau Rasau Village, Berbak sub-district, East Tanjung Jabung District.
Yunaidi said the operation involved 51 joint personnel from six institutions, including the TNBS Office, the Sumatra Forestry Law Enforcement Agency, the police, the army, sub-district and village authorities, and Forestry Police Community Partners.
Using chainsaws, machetes, and other equipment, the team cleared illegal palm oil plantations, eradicating approximately 98.88 hectares of land.
He emphasized that the area cleared during the operation was different from locations currently under legal prosecution. The TNBS Office confirmed that the eradication site is separate from an encroachment area involved in an ongoing forestry crime case with two suspects.
The clarification was provided to ensure accurate public information and to prevent the perception that the operation was directly linked to the ongoing legal process.
Berbak and Sembilang National Park is one of the most important peat swamp ecosystems in Sumatra and serves as a habitat for various wildlife species, including protected animals.
Encroachment and land clearing for plantations, including illegal palm oil cultivation, can damage ecosystem structures and increase the risk of forest and land fires.
The security operation forms part of the national park office’s regular efforts to curb encroachment, preserve peatland hydrology, protect biodiversity, and strengthen integrated, community-based patrol monitoring.
The TNBS Office expressed its appreciation to all parties involved and stressed the importance of cross-agency cooperation to ensure the conservation area remains protected. Antara News
--------
Building Climate-Resilient Farms: FORTASBI Guides Independent Smallholders Toward Low Emissions
PALMOILMAGAZINE, YOGYAKARTA — The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, creating serious challenges for independent oil palm smallholders. Unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, and rising pest and disease attacks are putting the future of smallholder plantations at greater risk. In this situation, sustainability, adaptation, and mitigation efforts are essential to maintaining productivity and ensuring long-term resilience.
According to the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil Farmers Forum (FORTASBI), the organization has supported 60 independent smallholder groups throughout 2025, all of whom share a dual commitment: improving productivity while implementing sustainable farming practices. FORTASBI considers this commitment a crucial foundation in facing climate-related threats on the ground.
FORTASBI has been actively strengthening the climate-mitigation capacity of its members. Throughout the year, the organization has conducted various trainings, including regenerative agriculture, Carbon Training of Trainers (ToT), and workshops on carbon footprint assessment and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction for hundreds of farmers. These activities aim to equip smallholders with the skills to implement low-carbon plantation management. Palm Oil Magazine
December 12, 2025
Indonesian companies pledge action against gender-based violence and harassment at work
Indonesian companies signed the Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence and Harassment Pledge, supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Indonesia Business Coalition for Women’s Empowerment (IBCWE).
JAKARTA, Indonesia (ILO News) — Indonesian workers remain vulnerable to violence and harassment in the workplace. A survey by the International Labour Organization (ILO) revealed that more than 70 percent of workers in Indonesia have experienced or become victims of some form of violence or harassment at work. This underscores the urgent need for companies to foster safe, respectful and productive environments by establishing and enforcing workplace policies that guarantee freedom from such practices.
Against this backdrop, the ILO, in collaboration with the Indonesia Business Coalition for Women’s Empowerment (IBCWE), convened the Leaders’ Gathering under the theme “Building a Workplace Free from Violence and Harassment” in Jakarta today (11/12). Held in conjunction with the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the event brought together more than 20 leading companies from diverse sectors, including manufacturing, electronics, garment and footwear and palm oil.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of the Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH) Pledge by participating businesses, symbolizing the collective commitment of business leaders to intensify efforts to prevent workplace violence and harassment. Through this pledge, they formally affirmed their dedication to building safe and dignified workplaces free from all forms of violence and harassment, including gender-based violence.
The pledge further reflects business support for strengthened prevention and response measures, the promotion of equitable and inclusive work cultures, the establishment of safe and fear-free reporting mechanisms and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective implementation in line with company contexts and applicable regulations. Importantly, this pledge aligns with ILO Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment, adopted in 2019, which is the first international treaty to recognize the universal right to a world of work free from violence and harassment.
Myra Hanartani, Head of the Regulatory Committee of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), underscored the business community’s commitment to building workplaces free from violence and harassment. With support from the ILO, Apindo published the Guidelines for the Prevention and Handling of Violence and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace in 2022 to provide companies with practical tools for action. ILO
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Seals Palm Oil Plantation Suspected of Causing Floods in Central Tapanuli
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Environment (KLH) has sealed the PT Tri Bahtera Srikandi (PT TBS) palm oil plantation, a subsidiary of PT Sago Nauli Plantation (PT SNP) in Tapanuli Tengah, North Sumatra, which is suspected to have contributed to flooding at the end of last November. The Minister of Environment, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, stated that the operation of the plantation and its factory, which are at risk of worsening the hydrological conditions, must be temporarily halted, while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
"This step is a strengthening of government supervision over business activities that potentially affect water management and public safety," he said in a written statement on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
Before installing supervision signs at the PT TBS work area, the ministry officers had monitored several points in North Sumatra after extreme rainfall. The monitoring team conducted field verifications and found indications of land management practices that need clarification. The signs will be installed once TBS's environmental information and documents have been verified.
"This sealing is not a final punishment, but the initial step to ensure that all environmental obligations are fulfilled and the company's activities do not worsen the ecological conditions around it," said Hanif.
The authorities have officially requested information from PT SNP as the parent company of PT TBS. The management was asked to submit Environmental Impact Assessments (AMDAL), environmental permits, and evidence of the implementation of environmental management and monitoring measures. The ministry inspectors will assess the company's compliance with administrative and technical requirements, including the implementation of soil conservation practices, drainage management, and relevant erosion mitigation efforts related to flood control. Tempo
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Wasco Greenergy seeks clearer Indonesian rules before committing to major biomass investments
Kuala Lumpur: Renewable-energy equipment supplier Wasco Greenergy Bhd (KL:GENERGY) said it needs clearer policies in Indonesia—its largest revenue contributor—before committing to major investments in biomass steam-energy systems. Indonesia accounted for 49% of the company’s revenue for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2024, reports The Edge Malaysia.
Following its listing on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market, the company plans to expand its Indonesia operations by opening a sales office in Jakarta and establishing service centres in Pekanbaru and Sulawesi. This expansion will require leasing and upgrading facilities, purchasing equipment, hiring local staff and adding vehicles for service and logistics.
Chief executive officer Lee Yee Chong said that although Indonesia supports biomass energy, biodiesel use and plantation expansion, clearer policy direction is needed to guide the company’s long-term investments. He said Wasco Greenergy will continue working closely with customers and government agencies to understand expected developments.
Lee noted that both Malaysia and Indonesia have significant agricultural waste, making biomass a viable energy source. “Industries here depend heavily on steam, and they produce a lot of waste that can be converted into useful clean energy,” he said.
He added that Indonesia’s move towards B50 biodiesel will further increase palm oil demand, and authorities plan to allocate another 600,000 hectares of land for palm-oil-related activities.
In Malaysia, the company’s second-largest market, the biomass sector has remained underdeveloped, but Lee said this could change with new renewable-energy programmes. The government will introduce 300MW under the Feed-in-Tariff scheme next year, with half of that capacity designated for biomass. Lee said Wasco Greenergy’s strength lies in providing a full range of equipment, from biomass processing systems to boilers and Shinko steam turbine generator systems, enabling it to support palm oil mills as well as other industries aiming to reduce fossil fuel use.
He said demand is rising not only from palm oil mills but also from general industries seeking to cut carbon emissions by switching to biomass technologies. The company expects its renewable-energy business to be evenly distributed between Malaysia and Indonesia, with additional contributions from Latin America and Africa.
As at end-September, Wasco Greenergy’s order book totalled about RM249 million, of which 80% to 90% consists of renewable-energy contracts. The company currently has 31 ongoing steam-energy system projects and 81 active orders for steam turbine generators, with capacities ranging from 4.5 to 90 tonnes per hour and 0.50MW to 3.50MW.
The company plans a dividend payout ratio of 20% to 40%, depending on working capital and investment requirements.
Wasco Greenergy’s shares opened 5% lower at 95 sen on their debut, compared with the IPO price of RM1, and were trading at 94.5 sen by 11.43am, down 5.5%. Bioenergy Times
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Indonesia aims to end diesel imports in 2026 with expanded biodiesel program
JAKARTA, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia aims to halt diesel fuel imports in 2026 as the government accelerates its biodiesel program and boosts domestic refinery capacity, marking a major step toward strengthening energy security and reducing reliance on foreign fuel supplies.
A key measure in this effort is the planned nationwide rollout of B50, a diesel blend containing 50 percent palm-oil-based biodiesel. The government expects to begin introducing B50 in the second half of 2026, building on the country's longstanding biodiesel mandate and representing its most ambitious shift yet toward renewable energy.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the combination of the B50 program and refinery upgrades puts Indonesia in a strong position to eliminate diesel imports next year.
"We are moving forward with the mandatory B50 program and preparing to inaugurate the Balikpapan Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP). These two factors support our target to stop importing diesel in 2026," Lahadalia told local media.
The Balikpapan RDMP, one of Indonesia's largest downstream energy investments, is central to this transition. Once fully completed, the refinery will increase its processing capacity by 100,000 barrels per day to 360,000 barrels per day. It is operated by PT Kilang Pertamina Balikpapan, a subsidiary of PT Kilang Pertamina International.
The upgraded capacity is expected to significantly boost domestic fuel production, reduce diesel import needs, and enhance national fuel resilience.
Indonesia has long relied on imported diesel for transportation, power generation, and industrial activities. The government has sought for years to curb this dependency, particularly during periods of heightened global oil prices.
The B50 policy further advances Indonesia's use of biodiesel made from fatty-acid methyl ester (FAME), largely derived from crude palm oil. As one of the country's key export commodities, palm oil plays a crucial role in supporting farmer incomes, strengthening downstream industries, and diversifying the national energy mix.
According to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the biodiesel program saved Indonesia 673.73 trillion rupiah (about 40.7 billion U.S. dollars) in foreign exchange between 2020 and 2025 by reducing fossil diesel imports and increasing domestic palm-oil utilization. The program also created jobs across the plantation and processing sectors.
Lahadalia said the economic gains will expand further once B50 is fully adopted. In 2026 alone, the policy is expected to save 179.28 trillion rupiah (about 10.84 billion U.S. dollars) in foreign exchange.
Indonesia currently enforces a nationwide B40 biodiesel mandate. The shift to B50 will place the country among the world's leading adopters of large-scale biodiesel use and reinforce its role as a major producer of sustainable palm-based energy. Xinhua
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Malaysia to stop plantation expansions to reduce human–wildlife conflicts
SUNGKAI: The government will no longer permit the opening of new land for plantation purposes, in a move aimed at reducing human–wildlife conflicts caused by shrinking forest habitats.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said expanding plantation areas through deforestation would worsen encounters between humans and protected wildlife, such as tigers and tapirs, which are increasingly forced into populated areas due to habitat loss.
"All our economic activities should not cause further deforestation. Instead, we must focus on increasing productivity within land that has already been developed.
"In my discussions with the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES), I emphasised the importance of preserving our forests.
"If we fail to do so, these animals will lose their habitats and end up in conflict with humans. Malaysia made a commitment to the United Nations in 1992 to ensure that our natural forest cover never falls below 50 per cent.
"In the context of plantations, I've told the ministry that we already have enough land. What we need to prioritise is not opening new areas. Opening new areas leads to human–wildlife conflicts," he said. NST
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Red Palm Oil Gains Spotlight For Diabetes-Friendly Nutrition
Malaysia’s push into science-driven nutraceuticals took centre stage at PIPOC 2025, where red palm oil was highlighted as a promising tool for diabetes-friendly diets amid growing regional concerns over metabolic health.
Speaking at the congress, Profes Lipid Sdn Bhd founder Steven JJ Lee said red palm oil’s carotenoids and tocotrienols give it functional properties that appeal to consumers seeking better blood-sugar management.
“Red palm oil helps reduce sugar spikes,” he explained, noting its relevance in moderating the glycaemic impact of rice consumption, a key issue for Malaysians.
Lee’s work is rooted in more than a decade of experience in palm refinery engineering and food technology, a background that eventually led him to establish a dedicated red palm oil processing facility in Semenyih. The plant supports the production of Harvist Red Palm Oil, which now serves domestic consumers and export markets including the United States, Singapore, and Taiwan.
He emphasised that the sector’s scientific progress is closely tied to institutional support.
“MPOB gave us a great deal of support. Their technology strengthened our company’s image and elevated our presence, especially in markets that value scientific credibility,” he said.
Access to research infrastructure and analytical facilities has helped companies pursue stronger validation for palm-based functional ingredients.
The discussion also touched on international perceptions of palm products, which Lee said have often been shaped by misinformation. However, he noted that attitudes are shifting as more consumers in markets such as the US adopt evidence-based dietary choices.
“With new food guidelines emerging in the United States, things are shifting,” he observed. Business Today
Indonesian companies pledge action against gender-based violence and harassment at work
Indonesian companies signed the Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence and Harassment Pledge, supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Indonesia Business Coalition for Women’s Empowerment (IBCWE).
JAKARTA, Indonesia (ILO News) — Indonesian workers remain vulnerable to violence and harassment in the workplace. A survey by the International Labour Organization (ILO) revealed that more than 70 percent of workers in Indonesia have experienced or become victims of some form of violence or harassment at work. This underscores the urgent need for companies to foster safe, respectful and productive environments by establishing and enforcing workplace policies that guarantee freedom from such practices.
Against this backdrop, the ILO, in collaboration with the Indonesia Business Coalition for Women’s Empowerment (IBCWE), convened the Leaders’ Gathering under the theme “Building a Workplace Free from Violence and Harassment” in Jakarta today (11/12). Held in conjunction with the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the event brought together more than 20 leading companies from diverse sectors, including manufacturing, electronics, garment and footwear and palm oil.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of the Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH) Pledge by participating businesses, symbolizing the collective commitment of business leaders to intensify efforts to prevent workplace violence and harassment. Through this pledge, they formally affirmed their dedication to building safe and dignified workplaces free from all forms of violence and harassment, including gender-based violence.
The pledge further reflects business support for strengthened prevention and response measures, the promotion of equitable and inclusive work cultures, the establishment of safe and fear-free reporting mechanisms and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective implementation in line with company contexts and applicable regulations. Importantly, this pledge aligns with ILO Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment, adopted in 2019, which is the first international treaty to recognize the universal right to a world of work free from violence and harassment.
Myra Hanartani, Head of the Regulatory Committee of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), underscored the business community’s commitment to building workplaces free from violence and harassment. With support from the ILO, Apindo published the Guidelines for the Prevention and Handling of Violence and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace in 2022 to provide companies with practical tools for action. ILO
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Seals Palm Oil Plantation Suspected of Causing Floods in Central Tapanuli
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Environment (KLH) has sealed the PT Tri Bahtera Srikandi (PT TBS) palm oil plantation, a subsidiary of PT Sago Nauli Plantation (PT SNP) in Tapanuli Tengah, North Sumatra, which is suspected to have contributed to flooding at the end of last November. The Minister of Environment, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, stated that the operation of the plantation and its factory, which are at risk of worsening the hydrological conditions, must be temporarily halted, while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
"This step is a strengthening of government supervision over business activities that potentially affect water management and public safety," he said in a written statement on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
Before installing supervision signs at the PT TBS work area, the ministry officers had monitored several points in North Sumatra after extreme rainfall. The monitoring team conducted field verifications and found indications of land management practices that need clarification. The signs will be installed once TBS's environmental information and documents have been verified.
"This sealing is not a final punishment, but the initial step to ensure that all environmental obligations are fulfilled and the company's activities do not worsen the ecological conditions around it," said Hanif.
The authorities have officially requested information from PT SNP as the parent company of PT TBS. The management was asked to submit Environmental Impact Assessments (AMDAL), environmental permits, and evidence of the implementation of environmental management and monitoring measures. The ministry inspectors will assess the company's compliance with administrative and technical requirements, including the implementation of soil conservation practices, drainage management, and relevant erosion mitigation efforts related to flood control. Tempo
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Wasco Greenergy seeks clearer Indonesian rules before committing to major biomass investments
Kuala Lumpur: Renewable-energy equipment supplier Wasco Greenergy Bhd (KL:GENERGY) said it needs clearer policies in Indonesia—its largest revenue contributor—before committing to major investments in biomass steam-energy systems. Indonesia accounted for 49% of the company’s revenue for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2024, reports The Edge Malaysia.
Following its listing on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market, the company plans to expand its Indonesia operations by opening a sales office in Jakarta and establishing service centres in Pekanbaru and Sulawesi. This expansion will require leasing and upgrading facilities, purchasing equipment, hiring local staff and adding vehicles for service and logistics.
Chief executive officer Lee Yee Chong said that although Indonesia supports biomass energy, biodiesel use and plantation expansion, clearer policy direction is needed to guide the company’s long-term investments. He said Wasco Greenergy will continue working closely with customers and government agencies to understand expected developments.
Lee noted that both Malaysia and Indonesia have significant agricultural waste, making biomass a viable energy source. “Industries here depend heavily on steam, and they produce a lot of waste that can be converted into useful clean energy,” he said.
He added that Indonesia’s move towards B50 biodiesel will further increase palm oil demand, and authorities plan to allocate another 600,000 hectares of land for palm-oil-related activities.
In Malaysia, the company’s second-largest market, the biomass sector has remained underdeveloped, but Lee said this could change with new renewable-energy programmes. The government will introduce 300MW under the Feed-in-Tariff scheme next year, with half of that capacity designated for biomass. Lee said Wasco Greenergy’s strength lies in providing a full range of equipment, from biomass processing systems to boilers and Shinko steam turbine generator systems, enabling it to support palm oil mills as well as other industries aiming to reduce fossil fuel use.
He said demand is rising not only from palm oil mills but also from general industries seeking to cut carbon emissions by switching to biomass technologies. The company expects its renewable-energy business to be evenly distributed between Malaysia and Indonesia, with additional contributions from Latin America and Africa.
As at end-September, Wasco Greenergy’s order book totalled about RM249 million, of which 80% to 90% consists of renewable-energy contracts. The company currently has 31 ongoing steam-energy system projects and 81 active orders for steam turbine generators, with capacities ranging from 4.5 to 90 tonnes per hour and 0.50MW to 3.50MW.
The company plans a dividend payout ratio of 20% to 40%, depending on working capital and investment requirements.
Wasco Greenergy’s shares opened 5% lower at 95 sen on their debut, compared with the IPO price of RM1, and were trading at 94.5 sen by 11.43am, down 5.5%. Bioenergy Times
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Indonesia aims to end diesel imports in 2026 with expanded biodiesel program
JAKARTA, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia aims to halt diesel fuel imports in 2026 as the government accelerates its biodiesel program and boosts domestic refinery capacity, marking a major step toward strengthening energy security and reducing reliance on foreign fuel supplies.
A key measure in this effort is the planned nationwide rollout of B50, a diesel blend containing 50 percent palm-oil-based biodiesel. The government expects to begin introducing B50 in the second half of 2026, building on the country's longstanding biodiesel mandate and representing its most ambitious shift yet toward renewable energy.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the combination of the B50 program and refinery upgrades puts Indonesia in a strong position to eliminate diesel imports next year.
"We are moving forward with the mandatory B50 program and preparing to inaugurate the Balikpapan Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP). These two factors support our target to stop importing diesel in 2026," Lahadalia told local media.
The Balikpapan RDMP, one of Indonesia's largest downstream energy investments, is central to this transition. Once fully completed, the refinery will increase its processing capacity by 100,000 barrels per day to 360,000 barrels per day. It is operated by PT Kilang Pertamina Balikpapan, a subsidiary of PT Kilang Pertamina International.
The upgraded capacity is expected to significantly boost domestic fuel production, reduce diesel import needs, and enhance national fuel resilience.
Indonesia has long relied on imported diesel for transportation, power generation, and industrial activities. The government has sought for years to curb this dependency, particularly during periods of heightened global oil prices.
The B50 policy further advances Indonesia's use of biodiesel made from fatty-acid methyl ester (FAME), largely derived from crude palm oil. As one of the country's key export commodities, palm oil plays a crucial role in supporting farmer incomes, strengthening downstream industries, and diversifying the national energy mix.
According to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the biodiesel program saved Indonesia 673.73 trillion rupiah (about 40.7 billion U.S. dollars) in foreign exchange between 2020 and 2025 by reducing fossil diesel imports and increasing domestic palm-oil utilization. The program also created jobs across the plantation and processing sectors.
Lahadalia said the economic gains will expand further once B50 is fully adopted. In 2026 alone, the policy is expected to save 179.28 trillion rupiah (about 10.84 billion U.S. dollars) in foreign exchange.
Indonesia currently enforces a nationwide B40 biodiesel mandate. The shift to B50 will place the country among the world's leading adopters of large-scale biodiesel use and reinforce its role as a major producer of sustainable palm-based energy. Xinhua
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Malaysia to stop plantation expansions to reduce human–wildlife conflicts
SUNGKAI: The government will no longer permit the opening of new land for plantation purposes, in a move aimed at reducing human–wildlife conflicts caused by shrinking forest habitats.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said expanding plantation areas through deforestation would worsen encounters between humans and protected wildlife, such as tigers and tapirs, which are increasingly forced into populated areas due to habitat loss.
"All our economic activities should not cause further deforestation. Instead, we must focus on increasing productivity within land that has already been developed.
"In my discussions with the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES), I emphasised the importance of preserving our forests.
"If we fail to do so, these animals will lose their habitats and end up in conflict with humans. Malaysia made a commitment to the United Nations in 1992 to ensure that our natural forest cover never falls below 50 per cent.
"In the context of plantations, I've told the ministry that we already have enough land. What we need to prioritise is not opening new areas. Opening new areas leads to human–wildlife conflicts," he said. NST
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Red Palm Oil Gains Spotlight For Diabetes-Friendly Nutrition
Malaysia’s push into science-driven nutraceuticals took centre stage at PIPOC 2025, where red palm oil was highlighted as a promising tool for diabetes-friendly diets amid growing regional concerns over metabolic health.
Speaking at the congress, Profes Lipid Sdn Bhd founder Steven JJ Lee said red palm oil’s carotenoids and tocotrienols give it functional properties that appeal to consumers seeking better blood-sugar management.
“Red palm oil helps reduce sugar spikes,” he explained, noting its relevance in moderating the glycaemic impact of rice consumption, a key issue for Malaysians.
Lee’s work is rooted in more than a decade of experience in palm refinery engineering and food technology, a background that eventually led him to establish a dedicated red palm oil processing facility in Semenyih. The plant supports the production of Harvist Red Palm Oil, which now serves domestic consumers and export markets including the United States, Singapore, and Taiwan.
He emphasised that the sector’s scientific progress is closely tied to institutional support.
“MPOB gave us a great deal of support. Their technology strengthened our company’s image and elevated our presence, especially in markets that value scientific credibility,” he said.
Access to research infrastructure and analytical facilities has helped companies pursue stronger validation for palm-based functional ingredients.
The discussion also touched on international perceptions of palm products, which Lee said have often been shaped by misinformation. However, he noted that attitudes are shifting as more consumers in markets such as the US adopt evidence-based dietary choices.
“With new food guidelines emerging in the United States, things are shifting,” he observed. Business Today
December 11, 2025
IATA warns poorly designed SAF mandates threaten decarbonisation
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released updated estimates for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, highlighting significant challenges for the aviation industry in meeting decarbonisation targets.
According to IATA, SAF production in 2025 is expected to reach 1.9 million tonnes (2.4 billion litres), doubling from the 1 million tonnes produced in 2024. However, growth is projected to slow in 2026, reaching just 2.4 million tonnes. SAF will account for only 0.6% of total jet fuel consumption in 2025, rising to 0.8% in 2026, while the SAF premium is expected to add $3.6 billion (€3.1 billion) in fuel costs for the airline industry in 2025.
This downward revision from earlier forecasts reflects insufficient policy support, high SAF prices — up to five times the cost of fossil-based jet fuel in mandated markets — and underutilised production capacity.
“SAF production growth fell short of expectations as poorly designed mandates stalled momentum in the fledgling SAF industry.
“If the goal of SAF mandates was to slow progress and increase prices, policymakers knocked it out of the park. But if the objective is to increase SAF production to further decarbonisation, regulators need to learn from failure and work with the airline industry to design incentives that will actually work,” said Willie Walsh, IATA director general.
Mandates in Europe and the UK have failed to accelerate SAF adoption. In Europe, the ReFuelEU Aviation framework has sharply increased costs amid limited SAF capacity and oligopolistic supply chains, forcing airlines to pay up to five times the price of conventional jet fuel without guaranteed supply or consistent documentation. In the UK, SAF mandates have triggered similar price spikes, leaving airlines to absorb significant costs.
“Europe’s fragmented policies distort markets, slow investment, and undermine efforts to scale SAF production. Regulators must recognise the current approach is not working and urgently correct course. Announcements alone are not enough – action is required,” Walsh added.
“Current policies are not producing the desired effect. Regulators must ensure SAF production is viable long-term, achieve scale, and bring costs down. Mandates alone have done the opposite, and it would be outrageous to repeat the same mistakes with e-SAF,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA senior vice-president for sustainability and chief economist. Biofuels News
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ICAO Approves Palm Oil Waste as a Base for Bioavtur
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has approved the use of palm oil waste or Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) as a raw material for bioavtur. Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation stated that this is a significant achievement in the effort to develop environmentally friendly aviation fuel.
The Director General of Air Transportation, Lukman F. Laisa, stated that the result was announced after Indonesia submitted the default Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) value calculation for the raw material. According to him, ICAO's recognition is a strategic milestone for Indonesia to enter the global bioavtur market.
"This approval confirms that POME is recognized as a sustainable aviation fuel raw material with highly competitive emission values, capable of reducing emissions by up to 80 percent compared to fossil fuels," Lukman said, as quoted from a written statement on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
He mentioned that Indonesia submitted the Core LCA Default Value through Indonesian representatives at ICAO, namely the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection. The submission was made in January 2025 after the Directorate General of Air Transportation coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and collaborated with two Indonesian partners, Indonesia Palm Oil Strategic Studies and PT Tripatra.
Following a technical evaluation by independent experts from the University of Hasselt in Belgium and verification by the ICAO Council in late November 2025, the emission value of POME-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) was determined to be 18.1 grams of CO2 per megajoule (CO/MJ). This figure is stated in the official ICAO document, CORSIA Default Life Cycle Emissions Values for CORSIA Eligible Fuels.
POME, a byproduct of crude palm oil processing, is included in ICAO's positive list as a raw material with significant potential to reduce emissions. "With a large raw material potential, Indonesia has a strong opportunity to become a competitive SAF supplier in Asia," Lukman said.
Although ICAO's recognition opens up great opportunities for Indonesia's bioavtur industry, Lukman stated that the government needs to ensure sustainable POME supply, have a clear supply chain, and meet global sustainability standards.
Therefore, he encourages support from various parties to ensure consistent production of POME-based bioavtur. "Collaboration in the form of policies, incentives, investments, and the development of supporting facilities is crucial," he said. Tempo
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German cabinet sets 59% GHG quota by 2040, bans double-counting, adds SAF mandate
HIGHLIGHTS
The "Second Law for the Further Development of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Quota" is designed to implement the EU's RED III directive and the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation into national law. It aims to provide investment security for producers of advanced biofuels and green hydrogen while cracking down on fraudulent imports that have plagued the market in recent years.
Market activity across the biofuels complex in recent weeks has been suppressed amid ongoing speculation about the expected timeline for implementing Germany's RED III bill. The German Cabinet was initially scheduled to discuss the legislation in the first week of October, with the aim of transposing it ahead of Jan. 1, 2026.
Subsequently, however, the Cabinet postponed reaching a decision on the bill week to week, amid a reported lack of consensus among the key ministries involved in drafting the bill.
As a result, the available window for the bill to pass this year through both the lower and upper houses of Germany's parliament, known respectively as the Bundestag and Bundesrat, has now become too tight. Consequently, the legislation will be passed into law in 2026, with most, but not all, policies within instructed to take effect retroactively from Jan. 1, 2026.
Ambitious quota trajectory
According to the draft text seen by S&P Global Energy, the headline GHG reduction obligation for fuel suppliers is expected to rise significantly from current levels. The law sets a fixed trajectory extending well beyond the previous 2030 horizon:
2026: 12%
2030: 25%
2035: 36%
2040: 59%
Read more SP Global
--------
German cabinet passes EU RED III
The German cabinet on 10 December approved legislation to implement the EU's Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) into national law.
This will adjust the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction quota and abolish double counting of advanced fuels from 2026. But it is unlikely to pass remaining legislative processes in time for the EU's 1 January deadline.
The bill passed by the cabinet largely follows a draft dated 29 October that was leaked in November. The overall quota level will rise to 59pc by 2040. Aviation and marine fuels are exempt from the quota obligation.
The law will end the eligibility of palm oil products, most notably palm oil mill effluent (Pome), for compliance towards the GHG quota. This exclusion, and a requirement for fuel producers to allow on-site audits, will not come into effect until 2027, leaving 2026 as a transitional year.
The end of double counting for advanced biofuels removes a key point of market uncertainty. Under current rules, advanced biofuels can be counted as twice their energy value towards the GHG quota, provided the minimum sub-mandate for advanced fuels has been met. But the change to end double counting will apply to the entire compliance year and all subsequent years, meaning it will be retroactive to 1 January. The only exception is for fuels supplied prior to 1 January 2026.
The law will enter into force on the second day after publication in the Federal Law Gazette, with selected sections taking effect a day earlier for procedural reasons. Before that can happen, the bill must be submitted to the Germany's lower and upper parliaments for debate. The lower house's approval is not required, and the upper house could initiate changes. The bill can only be submitted to the Federal President for his signature once the upper house has given approval.
This process is likely to conclude in the first quarter of 2026.
Changes to sub-quotas, RFNBOs, biomethane
The sub-mandate for advanced biofuels, made from feedstocks listed in Annex IX of RED III, will rise to 9pc by 2040.
The mandate for renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) — such as e-fuels and green hydrogen — is higher will rise to 2.5pc of an obligated company's energy mix in 2034, and then to 8pc in 2040. The penalty for non-compliance is €120/GJ.
Imported biomethane can be counted towards the GHG quota, provided it meets certain conditions, such as a connection to the EU gas grid. The baseline emissions value is 94kg CO2e/GJ, aligned with the rest of the EU. The registration deadline with the main customs office is 1 June.
The market for GHG certificates reacted immediately. Other certificates for 2025 are trading around €20/t CO2e higher than the previous day, and prices for 2026 certificates are rising. Prices for 2025 certificates are rising, although they are unaffected by the change. They are seen as a substitute for 2027 certificates because excess 2025 compliance will be carried over.
Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) could now play a central role in meeting the GHG quota, which can influence certificate prices. Demand for advanced HVO could increase significantly, as it can be counted without limit towards the GHG quota as a blending component and as a pure fuel and can be used in most of the existing diesel vehicle fleet.
The end of double counting could increase demand for non-advanced biodiesel grades, such as rapeseed-based RME and used cooking oil-based Ucome. Although the eligibility of these is capped to a certain percentage of a company's energy mix, this limit has not always been fully utilised in the past.
by Max Steinhau and Chloe Jardine/ Argus Media
--------
South Sumatra Police Chief Flags Dozens of Palm Oil Mills Operating Without Core Plantations
Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. South Sumatra Regional Police Chief Inspector General Andi R. Djajadi warned on Tuesday (9/12/2025) that 22 palm oil mills across the province are operating without core plantations, raising concerns over supply security and unlawful sourcing of fresh fruit bunches (FFB).
“They may have permits, but they have no guaranteed raw material supply from their own plantations,” he said, as quoted by antaranews.com.
The mills are located in Banyuasin, Muara Enim, Musi Rawas, and Musi Banyuasin. Chief Andi noted that the absence of core plantations increases the risk of unhealthy competition for FFB and encourages illegal practices, including theft.
“This situation can create alternative oil supply chains, known as ram sawit, which are often linked to illegal FFB transactions,” he said.
South Sumatra recorded 373 FFB theft cases in 2025, with 456 suspects named. Governor Herman Deru said the trend could undermine plantation investment confidence.
The province has 997,559 hectares of oil palm plantations managed by 277 companies. INP POLRI
IATA warns poorly designed SAF mandates threaten decarbonisation
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released updated estimates for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, highlighting significant challenges for the aviation industry in meeting decarbonisation targets.
According to IATA, SAF production in 2025 is expected to reach 1.9 million tonnes (2.4 billion litres), doubling from the 1 million tonnes produced in 2024. However, growth is projected to slow in 2026, reaching just 2.4 million tonnes. SAF will account for only 0.6% of total jet fuel consumption in 2025, rising to 0.8% in 2026, while the SAF premium is expected to add $3.6 billion (€3.1 billion) in fuel costs for the airline industry in 2025.
This downward revision from earlier forecasts reflects insufficient policy support, high SAF prices — up to five times the cost of fossil-based jet fuel in mandated markets — and underutilised production capacity.
“SAF production growth fell short of expectations as poorly designed mandates stalled momentum in the fledgling SAF industry.
“If the goal of SAF mandates was to slow progress and increase prices, policymakers knocked it out of the park. But if the objective is to increase SAF production to further decarbonisation, regulators need to learn from failure and work with the airline industry to design incentives that will actually work,” said Willie Walsh, IATA director general.
Mandates in Europe and the UK have failed to accelerate SAF adoption. In Europe, the ReFuelEU Aviation framework has sharply increased costs amid limited SAF capacity and oligopolistic supply chains, forcing airlines to pay up to five times the price of conventional jet fuel without guaranteed supply or consistent documentation. In the UK, SAF mandates have triggered similar price spikes, leaving airlines to absorb significant costs.
“Europe’s fragmented policies distort markets, slow investment, and undermine efforts to scale SAF production. Regulators must recognise the current approach is not working and urgently correct course. Announcements alone are not enough – action is required,” Walsh added.
“Current policies are not producing the desired effect. Regulators must ensure SAF production is viable long-term, achieve scale, and bring costs down. Mandates alone have done the opposite, and it would be outrageous to repeat the same mistakes with e-SAF,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA senior vice-president for sustainability and chief economist. Biofuels News
--------
ICAO Approves Palm Oil Waste as a Base for Bioavtur
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has approved the use of palm oil waste or Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) as a raw material for bioavtur. Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation stated that this is a significant achievement in the effort to develop environmentally friendly aviation fuel.
The Director General of Air Transportation, Lukman F. Laisa, stated that the result was announced after Indonesia submitted the default Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) value calculation for the raw material. According to him, ICAO's recognition is a strategic milestone for Indonesia to enter the global bioavtur market.
"This approval confirms that POME is recognized as a sustainable aviation fuel raw material with highly competitive emission values, capable of reducing emissions by up to 80 percent compared to fossil fuels," Lukman said, as quoted from a written statement on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
He mentioned that Indonesia submitted the Core LCA Default Value through Indonesian representatives at ICAO, namely the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection. The submission was made in January 2025 after the Directorate General of Air Transportation coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and collaborated with two Indonesian partners, Indonesia Palm Oil Strategic Studies and PT Tripatra.
Following a technical evaluation by independent experts from the University of Hasselt in Belgium and verification by the ICAO Council in late November 2025, the emission value of POME-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) was determined to be 18.1 grams of CO2 per megajoule (CO/MJ). This figure is stated in the official ICAO document, CORSIA Default Life Cycle Emissions Values for CORSIA Eligible Fuels.
POME, a byproduct of crude palm oil processing, is included in ICAO's positive list as a raw material with significant potential to reduce emissions. "With a large raw material potential, Indonesia has a strong opportunity to become a competitive SAF supplier in Asia," Lukman said.
Although ICAO's recognition opens up great opportunities for Indonesia's bioavtur industry, Lukman stated that the government needs to ensure sustainable POME supply, have a clear supply chain, and meet global sustainability standards.
Therefore, he encourages support from various parties to ensure consistent production of POME-based bioavtur. "Collaboration in the form of policies, incentives, investments, and the development of supporting facilities is crucial," he said. Tempo
---------
German cabinet sets 59% GHG quota by 2040, bans double-counting, adds SAF mandate
HIGHLIGHTS
- GHG quota to reduce fuel emissions by 59% by 2040
- Bans double-counting of advanced biofuels from 2026
- Introduces Sustainable Aviation Fuel mandate
The "Second Law for the Further Development of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Quota" is designed to implement the EU's RED III directive and the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation into national law. It aims to provide investment security for producers of advanced biofuels and green hydrogen while cracking down on fraudulent imports that have plagued the market in recent years.
Market activity across the biofuels complex in recent weeks has been suppressed amid ongoing speculation about the expected timeline for implementing Germany's RED III bill. The German Cabinet was initially scheduled to discuss the legislation in the first week of October, with the aim of transposing it ahead of Jan. 1, 2026.
Subsequently, however, the Cabinet postponed reaching a decision on the bill week to week, amid a reported lack of consensus among the key ministries involved in drafting the bill.
As a result, the available window for the bill to pass this year through both the lower and upper houses of Germany's parliament, known respectively as the Bundestag and Bundesrat, has now become too tight. Consequently, the legislation will be passed into law in 2026, with most, but not all, policies within instructed to take effect retroactively from Jan. 1, 2026.
Ambitious quota trajectory
According to the draft text seen by S&P Global Energy, the headline GHG reduction obligation for fuel suppliers is expected to rise significantly from current levels. The law sets a fixed trajectory extending well beyond the previous 2030 horizon:
2026: 12%
2030: 25%
2035: 36%
2040: 59%
Read more SP Global
--------
German cabinet passes EU RED III
The German cabinet on 10 December approved legislation to implement the EU's Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) into national law.
This will adjust the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction quota and abolish double counting of advanced fuels from 2026. But it is unlikely to pass remaining legislative processes in time for the EU's 1 January deadline.
The bill passed by the cabinet largely follows a draft dated 29 October that was leaked in November. The overall quota level will rise to 59pc by 2040. Aviation and marine fuels are exempt from the quota obligation.
The law will end the eligibility of palm oil products, most notably palm oil mill effluent (Pome), for compliance towards the GHG quota. This exclusion, and a requirement for fuel producers to allow on-site audits, will not come into effect until 2027, leaving 2026 as a transitional year.
The end of double counting for advanced biofuels removes a key point of market uncertainty. Under current rules, advanced biofuels can be counted as twice their energy value towards the GHG quota, provided the minimum sub-mandate for advanced fuels has been met. But the change to end double counting will apply to the entire compliance year and all subsequent years, meaning it will be retroactive to 1 January. The only exception is for fuels supplied prior to 1 January 2026.
The law will enter into force on the second day after publication in the Federal Law Gazette, with selected sections taking effect a day earlier for procedural reasons. Before that can happen, the bill must be submitted to the Germany's lower and upper parliaments for debate. The lower house's approval is not required, and the upper house could initiate changes. The bill can only be submitted to the Federal President for his signature once the upper house has given approval.
This process is likely to conclude in the first quarter of 2026.
Changes to sub-quotas, RFNBOs, biomethane
The sub-mandate for advanced biofuels, made from feedstocks listed in Annex IX of RED III, will rise to 9pc by 2040.
The mandate for renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) — such as e-fuels and green hydrogen — is higher will rise to 2.5pc of an obligated company's energy mix in 2034, and then to 8pc in 2040. The penalty for non-compliance is €120/GJ.
Imported biomethane can be counted towards the GHG quota, provided it meets certain conditions, such as a connection to the EU gas grid. The baseline emissions value is 94kg CO2e/GJ, aligned with the rest of the EU. The registration deadline with the main customs office is 1 June.
The market for GHG certificates reacted immediately. Other certificates for 2025 are trading around €20/t CO2e higher than the previous day, and prices for 2026 certificates are rising. Prices for 2025 certificates are rising, although they are unaffected by the change. They are seen as a substitute for 2027 certificates because excess 2025 compliance will be carried over.
Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) could now play a central role in meeting the GHG quota, which can influence certificate prices. Demand for advanced HVO could increase significantly, as it can be counted without limit towards the GHG quota as a blending component and as a pure fuel and can be used in most of the existing diesel vehicle fleet.
The end of double counting could increase demand for non-advanced biodiesel grades, such as rapeseed-based RME and used cooking oil-based Ucome. Although the eligibility of these is capped to a certain percentage of a company's energy mix, this limit has not always been fully utilised in the past.
by Max Steinhau and Chloe Jardine/ Argus Media
--------
South Sumatra Police Chief Flags Dozens of Palm Oil Mills Operating Without Core Plantations
Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. South Sumatra Regional Police Chief Inspector General Andi R. Djajadi warned on Tuesday (9/12/2025) that 22 palm oil mills across the province are operating without core plantations, raising concerns over supply security and unlawful sourcing of fresh fruit bunches (FFB).
“They may have permits, but they have no guaranteed raw material supply from their own plantations,” he said, as quoted by antaranews.com.
The mills are located in Banyuasin, Muara Enim, Musi Rawas, and Musi Banyuasin. Chief Andi noted that the absence of core plantations increases the risk of unhealthy competition for FFB and encourages illegal practices, including theft.
“This situation can create alternative oil supply chains, known as ram sawit, which are often linked to illegal FFB transactions,” he said.
South Sumatra recorded 373 FFB theft cases in 2025, with 456 suspects named. Governor Herman Deru said the trend could undermine plantation investment confidence.
The province has 997,559 hectares of oil palm plantations managed by 277 companies. INP POLRI
December 10, 2025
Indonesia sets rules to fine miners operating in forest areas
By Reuters
JAKARTA, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Indonesia has set the fines it will impose on miners operating illegally in forest areas, part of government efforts to protect forest areas from illegal clearing, the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry said on Wednesday.
Nickel miners found to be clearing forest illegally will be fined 6.5 billion rupiah ($389,688) per hectare, bauxite miners will be fined 1.76 billion rupiah per hectare, and tin miners will be fined 1.25 billion rupiah a hectare, the ministry said in a statement.
Coal miners will be fined 354 million rupiah per hectare.
A government forestry task force, made up of military personnel and law enforcement officials, will collect the fines based on findings of their investigations.
Earlier this week, the task force ordered dozens of companies in palm oil cultivation and mining to pay fines totalling 38.62 trillion rupiah for operating illegally in forest areas. Reuters
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Malaysia-FGV resumes operations after Felda remediation deadline extended
KUALA TERENGGANU: FGV Holdings has resumed plantation operations following the Terengganu government’s decision to extend the remediation deadline to Jan 7.
In a joint statement, Felda and FGV said operations could now focus on boosting yields, supporting settler incomes, and strengthening community development.
They said this development not only restored confidence among settlers and workers but also ensured the continued stability of the local economy.
"This development comes as a major relief to the settlers, who for several weeks have faced uncertainty regarding their income, their future and livelihood.
“From the outset, our priority has been to safeguard the welfare, economic security, and emotional wellbeing of the settlers, particularly the native sons and daughters of Terengganu,” they said.
Felda and FGV also expressed their appreciation to the Terengganu government for its commitment and willingness to continue discussions professionally.
“This cooperation is deeply meaningful because, ultimately, the wellbeing of the settlers, who have been the foundation and lifeblood of Felda since its establishment, is a shared priority that must be continually upheld,” they said.
State secretary Zulkifli Ali yesterday confirmed the government had extended the remediation deadline under the National Land Code Section 425 notice to Jan 7, suspending the earlier notice issued to the FGV board.
The extension follows constructive negotiations between the state government, Felda, and FGV. Free Malaysia Today
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Beating the bottlenecks for Sustainable Aviation Fuels
The aviation industry has been under mounting pressure to tackle its carbon footprint. Now, a new study has delivered a vital message: the pathway to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is achievable – but only with urgent and coordinated global action.
The report, published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in collaboration with Worley Consulting, concludes that there is enough sustainable feedstock to produce the volumes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) needed to decarbonise the industry over the next 25 years.
Crucially, all the feedstocks considered in the study meet strict sustainability standards, meaning they would not lead to land-use changes or compete with food production.
“We now have unequivocal evidence that if SAF production is prioritised, then feedstock availability is not a barrier in the industry’s path to decarbonisation,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general. “However, this will only be accomplished with a major acceleration of the SAF industry’s growth. We need shovels in the ground now.”
The scale of the challenge Biofuels News
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Malaysia Gathers Industry Views To Draft National SAF Strategy Document
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- The government has gathered the relevant input for the National Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Strategy Document through a series of workshops and discussions with industry players and stakeholders.
Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the document, currently being developed by KPK together with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), is now at the preliminary discussion stage before further action is taken. He said the document is expected to be finalised after taking into account all factors, including production, demand, technological developments, and the implementation of SAF mandates by neighbouring countries.
“Further discussions with MITI will be held in the first quarter of 2026. Following that, the work of drafting and reviewing the final version of the document will continue until the end of 2026, before it is presented to the Cabinet in early 2027,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara today.
Chan was responding to a question from Senator Che Alias Hamid, who asked about the expected timeline for finalising the National SAF Strategy Document to support Malaysia’s goal of becoming one of the world’s leading SAF producers.
He said the government is currently formulating the introduction of an SAF blending mandate to encourage demand for the sustainable fuel. “The introduction of the SAF blending mandate will be proposed to begin at one per cent and will be increased progressively according to suitability and need.” BERNAMA
Indonesia sets rules to fine miners operating in forest areas
By Reuters
JAKARTA, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Indonesia has set the fines it will impose on miners operating illegally in forest areas, part of government efforts to protect forest areas from illegal clearing, the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry said on Wednesday.
Nickel miners found to be clearing forest illegally will be fined 6.5 billion rupiah ($389,688) per hectare, bauxite miners will be fined 1.76 billion rupiah per hectare, and tin miners will be fined 1.25 billion rupiah a hectare, the ministry said in a statement.
Coal miners will be fined 354 million rupiah per hectare.
A government forestry task force, made up of military personnel and law enforcement officials, will collect the fines based on findings of their investigations.
Earlier this week, the task force ordered dozens of companies in palm oil cultivation and mining to pay fines totalling 38.62 trillion rupiah for operating illegally in forest areas. Reuters
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Malaysia-FGV resumes operations after Felda remediation deadline extended
KUALA TERENGGANU: FGV Holdings has resumed plantation operations following the Terengganu government’s decision to extend the remediation deadline to Jan 7.
In a joint statement, Felda and FGV said operations could now focus on boosting yields, supporting settler incomes, and strengthening community development.
They said this development not only restored confidence among settlers and workers but also ensured the continued stability of the local economy.
"This development comes as a major relief to the settlers, who for several weeks have faced uncertainty regarding their income, their future and livelihood.
“From the outset, our priority has been to safeguard the welfare, economic security, and emotional wellbeing of the settlers, particularly the native sons and daughters of Terengganu,” they said.
Felda and FGV also expressed their appreciation to the Terengganu government for its commitment and willingness to continue discussions professionally.
“This cooperation is deeply meaningful because, ultimately, the wellbeing of the settlers, who have been the foundation and lifeblood of Felda since its establishment, is a shared priority that must be continually upheld,” they said.
State secretary Zulkifli Ali yesterday confirmed the government had extended the remediation deadline under the National Land Code Section 425 notice to Jan 7, suspending the earlier notice issued to the FGV board.
The extension follows constructive negotiations between the state government, Felda, and FGV. Free Malaysia Today
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Beating the bottlenecks for Sustainable Aviation Fuels
The aviation industry has been under mounting pressure to tackle its carbon footprint. Now, a new study has delivered a vital message: the pathway to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is achievable – but only with urgent and coordinated global action.
The report, published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in collaboration with Worley Consulting, concludes that there is enough sustainable feedstock to produce the volumes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) needed to decarbonise the industry over the next 25 years.
Crucially, all the feedstocks considered in the study meet strict sustainability standards, meaning they would not lead to land-use changes or compete with food production.
“We now have unequivocal evidence that if SAF production is prioritised, then feedstock availability is not a barrier in the industry’s path to decarbonisation,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general. “However, this will only be accomplished with a major acceleration of the SAF industry’s growth. We need shovels in the ground now.”
The scale of the challenge Biofuels News
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Malaysia Gathers Industry Views To Draft National SAF Strategy Document
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- The government has gathered the relevant input for the National Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Strategy Document through a series of workshops and discussions with industry players and stakeholders.
Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the document, currently being developed by KPK together with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), is now at the preliminary discussion stage before further action is taken. He said the document is expected to be finalised after taking into account all factors, including production, demand, technological developments, and the implementation of SAF mandates by neighbouring countries.
“Further discussions with MITI will be held in the first quarter of 2026. Following that, the work of drafting and reviewing the final version of the document will continue until the end of 2026, before it is presented to the Cabinet in early 2027,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara today.
Chan was responding to a question from Senator Che Alias Hamid, who asked about the expected timeline for finalising the National SAF Strategy Document to support Malaysia’s goal of becoming one of the world’s leading SAF producers.
He said the government is currently formulating the introduction of an SAF blending mandate to encourage demand for the sustainable fuel. “The introduction of the SAF blending mandate will be proposed to begin at one per cent and will be increased progressively according to suitability and need.” BERNAMA
December 08, 2025
Indonesia fines dozens of palm oil, mining companies $2.3 billion for operating in forest areas
By Reuters
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto's forestry task force, made up of military personnel and law enforcement officials, has this year cracked down on an unprecedented scale on plantations and on mines that authorities say have operated illegally in forest areas.
The task force has seized 3.7 million hectares (9.1 million acres) of plantations and more than 5,300 hectares of mining operations, with a target to reach 4 million hectares by the end of the year.
Following the seizures, it has issued fines totalling 9.42 trillion rupiah to 49 plantation companies and 29.2 trillion rupiah for 22 mining companies, said Barita Simanjutak, an official with the Attorney General's Office and a task force member. He described them as some of the previous owners of the asset, but did not disclose the names of the companies.
The palm oil companies were expected to pay 25 million rupiah per hectare per year, he said, providing no explanation for how the fines were calculated.
SOME COMPANIES HAVE PAID, OTHERS HAVE OBJECTED
Some companies have paid, while others have objected, Simanjuntak said. He said task force was open to dialogue but it would be strict in its enforcement of the law.
"We urge companies to be cooperative," he said.
"It is not impossible for the task force to take legal action if compliance is not heeded," he added.
The task force has handed over 1.5 million hectares of plantations that it seized to state firm Agrinas Palma Nusantara, which was set up early this year, making it the world's largest palm oil company by land size.
The military-backed seizures have unnerved the palm oil industry. Analysts predicted that, together with Indonesia's biodiesel plan, they would exert upward pressure on global prices as they are expected to disrupt productivity.
Indonesia is the world's biggest exporter of palm oil, thermal coal, nickel and tin. Reuters
--------
Palm Oil Conclave 2025 reclaims the nutrition narrative, calls for science-led dialogue and sustainable growth
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], December 8: The Palm Oil Conclave 2025, organised by the Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA), Solidaridad and The Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA), concluded in Bhopal with a powerful, evidence-driven push to dismantle long-standing myths about palm oil and establish a balanced national narrative on health, markets, and sustainability.
Held under the theme "Reshaping Perceptions through Palm Oil Dialogues - Health, Markets, Climate," the Conclave gathered more than 200 experts from nutrition science, medical practice, FMCG, food processing, journalism, academia, industry and consumers. The central message emerging from the day-long discussions was clear: India needs fact-based communication and science-guided public understanding of palm oil.
Delivering the welcome address, Atul Chaturvedi, Chairman, APOA, stressed the need for India to reclaim the discourse on palm oil "India has long been influenced by external narratives, many of which do not reflect our realities or our needs. Today's deliberations show that India is ready to steer its own informed direction--grounded in facts, transparency, and collaboration. This Conclave has brought clarity at a time when consumer trust is essential."
Dr. Shatadru Chattopadhayay, Managing Director, Solidaridad Asia, emphasised the role of science in shaping balanced public perception "Palm oil has suffered from fragmented and often misleading information. Through dialogues like these, backed by the India Palm Oil Sustainability (IPOS) framework, we are building a resilient, responsible supply chain that benefits farmers and protects the environment. Today's discussions reaffirmed that sustainability and growth must move together."
Health and nutrition experts from the National Institute of Nutrition, medical academia, and public health departments debunked widespread misconceptions around palm oil, highlighting its fatty acid profile, safe use in Indian diets, and importance in food security. Senior journalist Mrityunjay Kumar Jha, put forth clear, science-backed answers to concerns frequently raised by consumers and the media.
"As someone working at the intersection of science, policy, and regional collaboration, I see palm oil not just as a commodity but as a strategic solution for India's food and nutrition security. The evidence is clear--palm oil contains essential vitamins, balanced fatty acids, and is one of the most efficient crops globally. It is time we replace myths with meaningful, research-driven conversations."- Said Dr. Suresh Motwani, Secretary General, Asian Palm Oil Alliance.
"The Palm Oil Conclave 2025 comes at a pivotal moment when there continues to be an increased consumer focus on health and sustainability. As the citizens priorities health and improved nutrition, it is crucial that we come together and build a shared understanding and direction. This conclave provides a platform for open dialogue, practical solutions, and stronger collaboration to create a more resilient and responsible palm oil ecosystem for India."- Sougata Niyogi, CEO, Oil Palm Business, Godrej Agrovet Ltd.
B.V. Mehta, Executive Director of the Solvent Extractors' Association of India, highlighted that "Atma Nirbhar Bharat begins in our fields. When we empower farmers with better seeds, scientific knowledge, fair markets, and modern processing systems, India naturally moves toward self-reliance in edible oils. The potential is enormous--we only need to harness it with commitment and consistency."
The Palm Oil Conclave featured a vibrant exhibition showcasing a wide range of palm oil-based products all under one roof. From everyday edible items to innovative value-added products, the display highlighted the versatility and economic relevance of palm oil in India's food ecosystem. The exhibition drew thousands of visitors, including industry experts, students, entrepreneurs, and consumers, making it one of the most engaging and informative attractions of the conclave.
A significant highlight was the launch of the book "Oil Palm Statistics in India: Trends and Insights," offering a comprehensive overview of production trends, global comparisons, policies, and future pathways for India's oil palm sector. Solidaridad presented key findings from its climate-smart agriculture interventions, demonstrating how farmer-centric innovations--from weather advisories to soil health restoration--are helping future-proof India's palm oil landscapes.
Special video messages from Prof. Rattan Lal, World Food Prize Laureate, and Ms. Izzana Salleh, Secretary General of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), reinforced the importance of sustainability, soil stewardship, and international cooperation. Business Standard
--------
India's palm oil acreage reaches 6.20 lakh hectares in the push for edible oil self-reliance under NMEO
India’s efforts to reduce dependence on edible oil imports have gained momentum under the National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO), with the Centre reporting notable progress in both oil palm expansion and oilseed productivity.
According to an August 2024 NITI Aayog report, India now ranks first globally in the production of rice bran oil, castor seed, safflower, sesame and niger. However, domestic output continues to meet only 44% of the country’s edible oil requirement.
The NMEO–Oil Palm (OP), launched in 2021, aims to bring 6.5 lakh hectares under oil palm by 2025–26. By November 2025, 2.50 lakh hectares had been added, taking the total cultivated area to 6.20 lakh hectares nationwide.
Crude Palm Oil (CPO) production has increased from 1.91 lakh tonnes in 2014–15 to 3.80 lakh tonnes in 2024–25. The scheme provides farmers with a Viability Price (VP) for Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFBs), insulating them from international CPO price fluctuations.
A financial outlay of Rs 11,040 crore has been earmarked for the mission, with major focus on seed gardens, nurseries, high-yield planting material, drip irrigation and intercropping during the gestation period.
Oilseeds Mission Targets 69.7 MT Output by 2030–31
The second component, NMEO–Oilseeds (OS), approved in 2024 for a seven-year period, targets raising primary oilseed output from 39 MT in 2022–23 to 69.7 MT by 2030–31. The mission seeks to expand total oilseed acreage to 33 million hectares, improve yield and strengthen seed systems through cluster-based interventions.
Over 600 value-chain clusters have been created, covering more than 10 lakh hectares annually. Farmers are being given free high-quality seeds, training in good agricultural practices and support for post-harvest infrastructure.
The government plans to expand oilseed cultivation by an additional 40 lakh hectares, mainly through fallow land utilisation and intercropping. Together with NMEO-OP, domestic edible oil production is projected to reach 25.45 million tonnes by 2030–31, meeting around 72% of projected domestic demand.
Addressing Import Dependence
India’s edible oil consumption has risen sharply, with per capita intake increasing by 83.68% in rural and 48.74% in urban areas between 2004–05 and 2022–23. Despite production reaching 12.18 MT in 2023–24, the country still imported 15.66 MT of edible oils in the same year.
Import dependence has, however, declined from 63.2% in 2015–16 to 56.25% in 2023–24, driven by domestic interventions and higher MSPs for major oilseeds. The government also raised effective customs duties on crude and refined edible oils to protect local producers.
Research and Seed Development
ICAR is developing high-yielding, climate-resilient varieties through coordinated research projects. Between 2014 and 2025, 432 oilseed varieties and hybrids have been released. The SATHI seed traceability portal and the digital Krishi Mapper platform are being used to streamline seed planning and mission monitoring. DD News
--------
Malaysia seeks to regain palm oil market share in China
Malaysia is aiming to increase palm oil exports to China after shipments dropped by almost 39% in the first 10 months of 2025 due to logistic challenges and pricing pressures, according to a New Straits Times report quoting the country’s Plantation and Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani.
The decline in exports was partly due to rising palm oil prices, which had overtaken soyabean oil prices, making the latter the preferred choice for Chinese buyers, Johari said in the 27 November report.
“For the first time, the price of our palm oil has increased and is more expensive than soyabean oil,” he told reporters at the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) Industry Dialogue with Chinese Buyers.
Johari said China had been a key and strategic market for Malaysia, maintaining its position as one of the country’s top palm oil export destinations for over a decade.
“However, our exports to China have fallen by almost 39% in the first 10 months of this year. This sharp decline suggests deeper challenges relating not only to competitiveness and logistics but also to pricing dynamics and market positioning,” he added.
Johari said the aim of the event was to understand how Malaysia could regain its competitiveness and restore its long-established position in the Chinese market.
“This group collectively accounts for roughly 2.5M tonnes of China’s palm oil requirements,” he said in his opening remarks.
“We also welcome continuous dialogue to better align expectations on pricing trends, market developments and long-term supply planning.”
MPOC hosted a trade networking visit for 37 Chinese buyers from 25-27 November aimed at expanding Malaysian palm oil exports and reinforcing confidence in Malaysia’s palm oil supply chain. OFI Magazine
--------
China Palm Oil Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast by Application and Region, 2025-2033
China Palm Oil Market Overview:
The China palm oil market size reached USD 9,427.25 Million in 2024. Looking forward, the market is expected to reach USD 12,826.05 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.48% during 2025-2033. The market is shaped by strong import reliance, mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia, catering to food, cosmetic, and oleochemical industries. Price-sensitive dynamics favor cheaper edible oils such as soybean oil, causing demand volatility. Consumer and private-sector interest in certified sustainable sourcing is emerging slowly, influencing trade patterns and strategies in the China palm oil market share.
China Palm Oil Market Trends:
High Demand from the Food Processing Industry
The massive food industry in China also contributes to the palm oil demand. The diversity, shelf life and economic benefit of palm oil in instant noodles, bake goods, and sweet and frying have led it to be the choice of ingredient. The usage of products that contain palm oil keeps increasing as the urban population of the country and the living standards of consumers become more inclined towards accessible and pre-cooked viands. Also, the semi-solid quality of palm oil that results at room temperature simply means that palm oil does not have to be hydrogenated, which takes away the allure to use it as a substitute for oils with trans fat. This industrial preference, along with steady growth in domestic food manufacturing and retail sectors, reinforces palm oil’s vital role in China’s edible oil mix and strengthens overall market demand. IMARC Group
--------
MSPO certificate can be revoked if NCR land rights violated
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 8): The Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certificate of a company found to be non-compliant, such as through encroachment or violation of land rights, including Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, can be suspended or revoked until the issue is resolved.
Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the action of accredited certification bodies in suspending certificates is in line with MSPO 2022 requirements.
He emphasised that conflicts should be resolved through negotiations with the state government or in court.
“MSPO requires lawful land ownership and land free of disputes, as specified in Criteria 3.3 and 3.4 of MSPO 2022,” he said.
Chan explained that two things are happening during an official dispute; firstly, an audit may be unable to fully verify compliance, particularly indicators related to legal ownership and community rights.
“Secondly, the reputational risk rises if MSPO is seen to be certifying a company involved in a land dispute,” he told the Dewan Negara during a question-and-answer session today.
The deputy minister was responding to Senator Abun Sui Anyit regarding efforts to increase MSPO certification for Sarawak’s palm oil for export markets and whether MSPO certification also takes into account encroachment or complaints related to rights violations, including NCR, within the country.
Chan said MSPO 2.0, which took effect on Jan 1, 2025, emphasises the auditing process by certification bodies accredited by the Department of Standards Malaysia and requires operators to demonstrate the status and evidence of lawful land ownership, including NCR land recognised under state law.
“In this context, MSPO has issued the Specific Guidance Document on MS2530:2022 Compliance of New Oil Palm Planting for Sarawak NCR land, developed in consultation with state government representatives, community stakeholders and palm oil industry players in Sarawak.
“This document provides clear guidance to NCR landowners on documentation processes, community verification and compliance steps to obtain MSPO certification,” he said.
Chan said MSPO 2.0 also emphasises the need to obtain consent, engage and consult with local communities, conduct social impact assessments and high conservation value assessments, and provide complaint and dispute-resolution mechanisms through the e-MSPO system, which is open to all stakeholders.
“The government, through the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities and its agencies, remains committed to increasing the rate of MSPO certification nationwide, including in Sarawak, to ensure the country’s palm oil remains competitive and accepted in international markets.
“Among the government’s main efforts are continuous engagement programmes, training and technical guidance, support and incentives for independent smallholders to cover certification costs, assistance with mapping, and cooperating with state governments to facilitate compliance and land issues,” he added. – Bernama/ The Borneo Post
Indonesia fines dozens of palm oil, mining companies $2.3 billion for operating in forest areas
By Reuters
Summary
- Seizures could push global prices higher
- Fines issues to 49 plantation and 22 mining companies
President Prabowo Subianto's forestry task force, made up of military personnel and law enforcement officials, has this year cracked down on an unprecedented scale on plantations and on mines that authorities say have operated illegally in forest areas.
The task force has seized 3.7 million hectares (9.1 million acres) of plantations and more than 5,300 hectares of mining operations, with a target to reach 4 million hectares by the end of the year.
Following the seizures, it has issued fines totalling 9.42 trillion rupiah to 49 plantation companies and 29.2 trillion rupiah for 22 mining companies, said Barita Simanjutak, an official with the Attorney General's Office and a task force member. He described them as some of the previous owners of the asset, but did not disclose the names of the companies.
The palm oil companies were expected to pay 25 million rupiah per hectare per year, he said, providing no explanation for how the fines were calculated.
SOME COMPANIES HAVE PAID, OTHERS HAVE OBJECTED
Some companies have paid, while others have objected, Simanjuntak said. He said task force was open to dialogue but it would be strict in its enforcement of the law.
"We urge companies to be cooperative," he said.
"It is not impossible for the task force to take legal action if compliance is not heeded," he added.
The task force has handed over 1.5 million hectares of plantations that it seized to state firm Agrinas Palma Nusantara, which was set up early this year, making it the world's largest palm oil company by land size.
The military-backed seizures have unnerved the palm oil industry. Analysts predicted that, together with Indonesia's biodiesel plan, they would exert upward pressure on global prices as they are expected to disrupt productivity.
Indonesia is the world's biggest exporter of palm oil, thermal coal, nickel and tin. Reuters
--------
Palm Oil Conclave 2025 reclaims the nutrition narrative, calls for science-led dialogue and sustainable growth
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], December 8: The Palm Oil Conclave 2025, organised by the Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA), Solidaridad and The Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA), concluded in Bhopal with a powerful, evidence-driven push to dismantle long-standing myths about palm oil and establish a balanced national narrative on health, markets, and sustainability.
Held under the theme "Reshaping Perceptions through Palm Oil Dialogues - Health, Markets, Climate," the Conclave gathered more than 200 experts from nutrition science, medical practice, FMCG, food processing, journalism, academia, industry and consumers. The central message emerging from the day-long discussions was clear: India needs fact-based communication and science-guided public understanding of palm oil.
Delivering the welcome address, Atul Chaturvedi, Chairman, APOA, stressed the need for India to reclaim the discourse on palm oil "India has long been influenced by external narratives, many of which do not reflect our realities or our needs. Today's deliberations show that India is ready to steer its own informed direction--grounded in facts, transparency, and collaboration. This Conclave has brought clarity at a time when consumer trust is essential."
Dr. Shatadru Chattopadhayay, Managing Director, Solidaridad Asia, emphasised the role of science in shaping balanced public perception "Palm oil has suffered from fragmented and often misleading information. Through dialogues like these, backed by the India Palm Oil Sustainability (IPOS) framework, we are building a resilient, responsible supply chain that benefits farmers and protects the environment. Today's discussions reaffirmed that sustainability and growth must move together."
Health and nutrition experts from the National Institute of Nutrition, medical academia, and public health departments debunked widespread misconceptions around palm oil, highlighting its fatty acid profile, safe use in Indian diets, and importance in food security. Senior journalist Mrityunjay Kumar Jha, put forth clear, science-backed answers to concerns frequently raised by consumers and the media.
"As someone working at the intersection of science, policy, and regional collaboration, I see palm oil not just as a commodity but as a strategic solution for India's food and nutrition security. The evidence is clear--palm oil contains essential vitamins, balanced fatty acids, and is one of the most efficient crops globally. It is time we replace myths with meaningful, research-driven conversations."- Said Dr. Suresh Motwani, Secretary General, Asian Palm Oil Alliance.
"The Palm Oil Conclave 2025 comes at a pivotal moment when there continues to be an increased consumer focus on health and sustainability. As the citizens priorities health and improved nutrition, it is crucial that we come together and build a shared understanding and direction. This conclave provides a platform for open dialogue, practical solutions, and stronger collaboration to create a more resilient and responsible palm oil ecosystem for India."- Sougata Niyogi, CEO, Oil Palm Business, Godrej Agrovet Ltd.
B.V. Mehta, Executive Director of the Solvent Extractors' Association of India, highlighted that "Atma Nirbhar Bharat begins in our fields. When we empower farmers with better seeds, scientific knowledge, fair markets, and modern processing systems, India naturally moves toward self-reliance in edible oils. The potential is enormous--we only need to harness it with commitment and consistency."
The Palm Oil Conclave featured a vibrant exhibition showcasing a wide range of palm oil-based products all under one roof. From everyday edible items to innovative value-added products, the display highlighted the versatility and economic relevance of palm oil in India's food ecosystem. The exhibition drew thousands of visitors, including industry experts, students, entrepreneurs, and consumers, making it one of the most engaging and informative attractions of the conclave.
A significant highlight was the launch of the book "Oil Palm Statistics in India: Trends and Insights," offering a comprehensive overview of production trends, global comparisons, policies, and future pathways for India's oil palm sector. Solidaridad presented key findings from its climate-smart agriculture interventions, demonstrating how farmer-centric innovations--from weather advisories to soil health restoration--are helping future-proof India's palm oil landscapes.
Special video messages from Prof. Rattan Lal, World Food Prize Laureate, and Ms. Izzana Salleh, Secretary General of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), reinforced the importance of sustainability, soil stewardship, and international cooperation. Business Standard
--------
India's palm oil acreage reaches 6.20 lakh hectares in the push for edible oil self-reliance under NMEO
India’s efforts to reduce dependence on edible oil imports have gained momentum under the National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO), with the Centre reporting notable progress in both oil palm expansion and oilseed productivity.
According to an August 2024 NITI Aayog report, India now ranks first globally in the production of rice bran oil, castor seed, safflower, sesame and niger. However, domestic output continues to meet only 44% of the country’s edible oil requirement.
The NMEO–Oil Palm (OP), launched in 2021, aims to bring 6.5 lakh hectares under oil palm by 2025–26. By November 2025, 2.50 lakh hectares had been added, taking the total cultivated area to 6.20 lakh hectares nationwide.
Crude Palm Oil (CPO) production has increased from 1.91 lakh tonnes in 2014–15 to 3.80 lakh tonnes in 2024–25. The scheme provides farmers with a Viability Price (VP) for Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFBs), insulating them from international CPO price fluctuations.
A financial outlay of Rs 11,040 crore has been earmarked for the mission, with major focus on seed gardens, nurseries, high-yield planting material, drip irrigation and intercropping during the gestation period.
Oilseeds Mission Targets 69.7 MT Output by 2030–31
The second component, NMEO–Oilseeds (OS), approved in 2024 for a seven-year period, targets raising primary oilseed output from 39 MT in 2022–23 to 69.7 MT by 2030–31. The mission seeks to expand total oilseed acreage to 33 million hectares, improve yield and strengthen seed systems through cluster-based interventions.
Over 600 value-chain clusters have been created, covering more than 10 lakh hectares annually. Farmers are being given free high-quality seeds, training in good agricultural practices and support for post-harvest infrastructure.
The government plans to expand oilseed cultivation by an additional 40 lakh hectares, mainly through fallow land utilisation and intercropping. Together with NMEO-OP, domestic edible oil production is projected to reach 25.45 million tonnes by 2030–31, meeting around 72% of projected domestic demand.
Addressing Import Dependence
India’s edible oil consumption has risen sharply, with per capita intake increasing by 83.68% in rural and 48.74% in urban areas between 2004–05 and 2022–23. Despite production reaching 12.18 MT in 2023–24, the country still imported 15.66 MT of edible oils in the same year.
Import dependence has, however, declined from 63.2% in 2015–16 to 56.25% in 2023–24, driven by domestic interventions and higher MSPs for major oilseeds. The government also raised effective customs duties on crude and refined edible oils to protect local producers.
Research and Seed Development
ICAR is developing high-yielding, climate-resilient varieties through coordinated research projects. Between 2014 and 2025, 432 oilseed varieties and hybrids have been released. The SATHI seed traceability portal and the digital Krishi Mapper platform are being used to streamline seed planning and mission monitoring. DD News
--------
Malaysia seeks to regain palm oil market share in China
Malaysia is aiming to increase palm oil exports to China after shipments dropped by almost 39% in the first 10 months of 2025 due to logistic challenges and pricing pressures, according to a New Straits Times report quoting the country’s Plantation and Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani.
The decline in exports was partly due to rising palm oil prices, which had overtaken soyabean oil prices, making the latter the preferred choice for Chinese buyers, Johari said in the 27 November report.
“For the first time, the price of our palm oil has increased and is more expensive than soyabean oil,” he told reporters at the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) Industry Dialogue with Chinese Buyers.
Johari said China had been a key and strategic market for Malaysia, maintaining its position as one of the country’s top palm oil export destinations for over a decade.
“However, our exports to China have fallen by almost 39% in the first 10 months of this year. This sharp decline suggests deeper challenges relating not only to competitiveness and logistics but also to pricing dynamics and market positioning,” he added.
Johari said the aim of the event was to understand how Malaysia could regain its competitiveness and restore its long-established position in the Chinese market.
“This group collectively accounts for roughly 2.5M tonnes of China’s palm oil requirements,” he said in his opening remarks.
“We also welcome continuous dialogue to better align expectations on pricing trends, market developments and long-term supply planning.”
MPOC hosted a trade networking visit for 37 Chinese buyers from 25-27 November aimed at expanding Malaysian palm oil exports and reinforcing confidence in Malaysia’s palm oil supply chain. OFI Magazine
--------
China Palm Oil Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast by Application and Region, 2025-2033
China Palm Oil Market Overview:
The China palm oil market size reached USD 9,427.25 Million in 2024. Looking forward, the market is expected to reach USD 12,826.05 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.48% during 2025-2033. The market is shaped by strong import reliance, mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia, catering to food, cosmetic, and oleochemical industries. Price-sensitive dynamics favor cheaper edible oils such as soybean oil, causing demand volatility. Consumer and private-sector interest in certified sustainable sourcing is emerging slowly, influencing trade patterns and strategies in the China palm oil market share.
China Palm Oil Market Trends:
High Demand from the Food Processing Industry
The massive food industry in China also contributes to the palm oil demand. The diversity, shelf life and economic benefit of palm oil in instant noodles, bake goods, and sweet and frying have led it to be the choice of ingredient. The usage of products that contain palm oil keeps increasing as the urban population of the country and the living standards of consumers become more inclined towards accessible and pre-cooked viands. Also, the semi-solid quality of palm oil that results at room temperature simply means that palm oil does not have to be hydrogenated, which takes away the allure to use it as a substitute for oils with trans fat. This industrial preference, along with steady growth in domestic food manufacturing and retail sectors, reinforces palm oil’s vital role in China’s edible oil mix and strengthens overall market demand. IMARC Group
--------
MSPO certificate can be revoked if NCR land rights violated
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 8): The Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certificate of a company found to be non-compliant, such as through encroachment or violation of land rights, including Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, can be suspended or revoked until the issue is resolved.
Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the action of accredited certification bodies in suspending certificates is in line with MSPO 2022 requirements.
He emphasised that conflicts should be resolved through negotiations with the state government or in court.
“MSPO requires lawful land ownership and land free of disputes, as specified in Criteria 3.3 and 3.4 of MSPO 2022,” he said.
Chan explained that two things are happening during an official dispute; firstly, an audit may be unable to fully verify compliance, particularly indicators related to legal ownership and community rights.
“Secondly, the reputational risk rises if MSPO is seen to be certifying a company involved in a land dispute,” he told the Dewan Negara during a question-and-answer session today.
The deputy minister was responding to Senator Abun Sui Anyit regarding efforts to increase MSPO certification for Sarawak’s palm oil for export markets and whether MSPO certification also takes into account encroachment or complaints related to rights violations, including NCR, within the country.
Chan said MSPO 2.0, which took effect on Jan 1, 2025, emphasises the auditing process by certification bodies accredited by the Department of Standards Malaysia and requires operators to demonstrate the status and evidence of lawful land ownership, including NCR land recognised under state law.
“In this context, MSPO has issued the Specific Guidance Document on MS2530:2022 Compliance of New Oil Palm Planting for Sarawak NCR land, developed in consultation with state government representatives, community stakeholders and palm oil industry players in Sarawak.
“This document provides clear guidance to NCR landowners on documentation processes, community verification and compliance steps to obtain MSPO certification,” he said.
Chan said MSPO 2.0 also emphasises the need to obtain consent, engage and consult with local communities, conduct social impact assessments and high conservation value assessments, and provide complaint and dispute-resolution mechanisms through the e-MSPO system, which is open to all stakeholders.
“The government, through the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities and its agencies, remains committed to increasing the rate of MSPO certification nationwide, including in Sarawak, to ensure the country’s palm oil remains competitive and accepted in international markets.
“Among the government’s main efforts are continuous engagement programmes, training and technical guidance, support and incentives for independent smallholders to cover certification costs, assistance with mapping, and cooperating with state governments to facilitate compliance and land issues,” he added. – Bernama/ The Borneo Post
December 07, 2025
The Threat of Ecological Disaster Behind the Extractive Industries of Indonesia
The major disaster in northern Sumatra is a profound sorrow for the Indonesian people. It serves as a natural reprimand for the ecological damage resulting from extractive economic practices.
By Nurul Intan, Antonius Purwanto
he extractive economy has become one of the pillars of Indonesia's economy. In general, the practice of the extractive economy is understood as the activity of directly extracting value or natural resources from the earth's crust in the form of minerals, coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
The Financial Note and the 2026 Draft State Budget (RAPBN) set a natural resource (SDA) revenue target of Rp 236.6 trillion for 2026. Specifically, oil and gas revenues reached Rp 113.1 trillion and non-oil and gas revenues Rp 123.5 trillion. Meanwhile, natural resource revenues in 2025 are estimated to reach Rp 230 trillion. Therefore, the natural resource revenue target in the 2026 Draft State Budget is expected to grow 2.8 percent from the 2025 outlook.
The economic reliance on revenue from natural resources continues the previous contributions. Revenue from oil and gas natural resources, for instance, is projected to experience an average growth of 16.8 percent during the period of 2021-2024. The performance of natural resources derived from both oil and gas and non-oil and gas during 2021-2024 is expected to contribute an average of 39.6 percent each year to non-tax state revenue.
The mining sector is one of the five sectors that significantly contributes to the growth of Indonesia's gross domestic product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2025, with a percentage reaching 8.59 percent. Observing the trend of the mining sector's contribution to GDP, the percentage has consistently remained above six percent year after year. In fact, in 2022, the percentage reached 12.22 percent.
As a country with extraordinary natural wealth, the utilization of natural resources is indeed commonplace. However, this extractive business model does not guarantee sustainability in the long term. The reason is that these natural resource commodities will inevitably be depleted due to continuous production.
Based on the data from the "National Mineral and Coal Resource Balance and Reserves 2025," the amount of coal reserves in Indonesia in 2024 reaches 31.95 billion tons. This consists of estimated reserves of 14.418 billion tons and proven reserves of 17.536 billion tons.
If there are no new discoveries, the amount of reserves is estimated to be sufficient to meet needs for only the next 45 years, assuming that national coal production is set at an average of 700 million tons per year.
In addition to coal, several other mining and mineral commodities continue to experience depletion. Nickel ore, for instance, has a total reserve recorded at 5.931 billion tons in 2024. Assuming an estimated annual production of 73 million tons, the remaining lifespan of nickel reserves in Indonesia is projected to last only until 34 years from now. Kompas
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Indonesian Minister of Environment Suspends All Company Operations in Batang Toru Watershed for Audit
Batang Toru. Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has ordered all companies operating in the Batang Toru watershed in North Sumatra, including palm oil, mining, and hydropower firms, to suspend activities starting 6 December 2025 for a mandatory environmental audit.
“All companies in the upstream Batang Toru watershed must halt operations and undergo an environmental audit. They have been summoned for an official examination on 8 December in Jakarta,” he said on Saturday (6/12/2025), as reported by antaranews.com.
The decision followed aerial and ground inspections assessing disaster triggers and the impact of business activities on rising flood and landslide risks. Authorities visited PT Agincourt Resources, PTPN III, and PT North Sumatera Hydro Energy before deciding on a temporary shutdown.
The ministry cited extreme rainfall exceeding 300 mm per day and evidence of large-scale land clearing. Officials warned that legal action, including criminal proceedings, could follow if violations are confirmed. Oversight of environmental permits and spatial compliance will be tightened across steep slopes and upstream river zones. Polri
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Automated systems with AI could improve yield and quality of Indonesian palm oil
Sundahri 1, Wisnu Bahrudin Hafid 2, Satria Dwi Sanjaya 3, Dhea Rosita Sari 4, Fani Riski Romadhani 5.
The Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Jember
Corresponding author: [email protected]
The oil palm industry plays a vital role in the economies of many tropical countries, particularly in Southeast Asia. However, the standards for sorting harvested oil palm fruit bunches (FFB) at the plantation level can often be considered low, leading to issues affecting oil yield and fruit quality. Current practices predominantly rely on manual sorting, which may lack efficiency and consistency. This paper explores the limitations of existing sorting standards and suggests improvements based on advanced technologies. Kompasiana
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50 Reasons Why Malaysia-US ART Deal Is Beneficial
The debate over national sovereignty and interests in the Malaysia–US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) is a non-starter. Accusations and misperceptions abound, but Malaysia will get long term tangible and intangible benefits not only from the ART, but most importantly on the multi-faceted positive safeguard of our economic, security, technological and geopolitical strength and needs through enhanced ties with the US.
The opponents of the ART and the various agreements see them as a potential backdoor for foreign interference and erosion of policy autonomy but far from it, they form the needed push for a long term economic and security assurance from Washington, especially under President Trump’s renewed focus and presence in this region.
Trump’s presence in Kuala Lumpur is a strong message to the country and the region, that “Malaysia is not just a partner but a pillar of stability, innovation, and leadership in Southeast Asia.”, with the clear message that Washington is now back investing its presence in this region, and that Malaysia lies at the central stage to this strategy.
Malaysia has vulnerabilities in strategic sectors: semiconductors, energy transition minerals, digital security, and supply chain choke points, and this new strengthening of ties and agreement strengthens the country.
Here are 50 strategic arguments in why an elevated and deeply layered long term positive partnership with the US through ART and overall holistic ties directly benefit Malaysia and the region: Business Today
The Threat of Ecological Disaster Behind the Extractive Industries of Indonesia
The major disaster in northern Sumatra is a profound sorrow for the Indonesian people. It serves as a natural reprimand for the ecological damage resulting from extractive economic practices.
By Nurul Intan, Antonius Purwanto
he extractive economy has become one of the pillars of Indonesia's economy. In general, the practice of the extractive economy is understood as the activity of directly extracting value or natural resources from the earth's crust in the form of minerals, coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
The Financial Note and the 2026 Draft State Budget (RAPBN) set a natural resource (SDA) revenue target of Rp 236.6 trillion for 2026. Specifically, oil and gas revenues reached Rp 113.1 trillion and non-oil and gas revenues Rp 123.5 trillion. Meanwhile, natural resource revenues in 2025 are estimated to reach Rp 230 trillion. Therefore, the natural resource revenue target in the 2026 Draft State Budget is expected to grow 2.8 percent from the 2025 outlook.
The economic reliance on revenue from natural resources continues the previous contributions. Revenue from oil and gas natural resources, for instance, is projected to experience an average growth of 16.8 percent during the period of 2021-2024. The performance of natural resources derived from both oil and gas and non-oil and gas during 2021-2024 is expected to contribute an average of 39.6 percent each year to non-tax state revenue.
The mining sector is one of the five sectors that significantly contributes to the growth of Indonesia's gross domestic product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2025, with a percentage reaching 8.59 percent. Observing the trend of the mining sector's contribution to GDP, the percentage has consistently remained above six percent year after year. In fact, in 2022, the percentage reached 12.22 percent.
As a country with extraordinary natural wealth, the utilization of natural resources is indeed commonplace. However, this extractive business model does not guarantee sustainability in the long term. The reason is that these natural resource commodities will inevitably be depleted due to continuous production.
Based on the data from the "National Mineral and Coal Resource Balance and Reserves 2025," the amount of coal reserves in Indonesia in 2024 reaches 31.95 billion tons. This consists of estimated reserves of 14.418 billion tons and proven reserves of 17.536 billion tons.
If there are no new discoveries, the amount of reserves is estimated to be sufficient to meet needs for only the next 45 years, assuming that national coal production is set at an average of 700 million tons per year.
In addition to coal, several other mining and mineral commodities continue to experience depletion. Nickel ore, for instance, has a total reserve recorded at 5.931 billion tons in 2024. Assuming an estimated annual production of 73 million tons, the remaining lifespan of nickel reserves in Indonesia is projected to last only until 34 years from now. Kompas
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Indonesian Minister of Environment Suspends All Company Operations in Batang Toru Watershed for Audit
Batang Toru. Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has ordered all companies operating in the Batang Toru watershed in North Sumatra, including palm oil, mining, and hydropower firms, to suspend activities starting 6 December 2025 for a mandatory environmental audit.
“All companies in the upstream Batang Toru watershed must halt operations and undergo an environmental audit. They have been summoned for an official examination on 8 December in Jakarta,” he said on Saturday (6/12/2025), as reported by antaranews.com.
The decision followed aerial and ground inspections assessing disaster triggers and the impact of business activities on rising flood and landslide risks. Authorities visited PT Agincourt Resources, PTPN III, and PT North Sumatera Hydro Energy before deciding on a temporary shutdown.
The ministry cited extreme rainfall exceeding 300 mm per day and evidence of large-scale land clearing. Officials warned that legal action, including criminal proceedings, could follow if violations are confirmed. Oversight of environmental permits and spatial compliance will be tightened across steep slopes and upstream river zones. Polri
--------
Automated systems with AI could improve yield and quality of Indonesian palm oil
Sundahri 1, Wisnu Bahrudin Hafid 2, Satria Dwi Sanjaya 3, Dhea Rosita Sari 4, Fani Riski Romadhani 5.
The Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Jember
Corresponding author: [email protected]
The oil palm industry plays a vital role in the economies of many tropical countries, particularly in Southeast Asia. However, the standards for sorting harvested oil palm fruit bunches (FFB) at the plantation level can often be considered low, leading to issues affecting oil yield and fruit quality. Current practices predominantly rely on manual sorting, which may lack efficiency and consistency. This paper explores the limitations of existing sorting standards and suggests improvements based on advanced technologies. Kompasiana
--------
50 Reasons Why Malaysia-US ART Deal Is Beneficial
The debate over national sovereignty and interests in the Malaysia–US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) is a non-starter. Accusations and misperceptions abound, but Malaysia will get long term tangible and intangible benefits not only from the ART, but most importantly on the multi-faceted positive safeguard of our economic, security, technological and geopolitical strength and needs through enhanced ties with the US.
The opponents of the ART and the various agreements see them as a potential backdoor for foreign interference and erosion of policy autonomy but far from it, they form the needed push for a long term economic and security assurance from Washington, especially under President Trump’s renewed focus and presence in this region.
Trump’s presence in Kuala Lumpur is a strong message to the country and the region, that “Malaysia is not just a partner but a pillar of stability, innovation, and leadership in Southeast Asia.”, with the clear message that Washington is now back investing its presence in this region, and that Malaysia lies at the central stage to this strategy.
Malaysia has vulnerabilities in strategic sectors: semiconductors, energy transition minerals, digital security, and supply chain choke points, and this new strengthening of ties and agreement strengthens the country.
Here are 50 strategic arguments in why an elevated and deeply layered long term positive partnership with the US through ART and overall holistic ties directly benefit Malaysia and the region: Business Today
December 06, 2025
World Bank hails Malaysia’s poverty gains, urges shift towards more equitable growth
A senior World Bank economist says Malaysia has largely achieved its hardcore poverty eradication target and must now prioritise inclusive development, especially in education and healthcare
KUALA LUMPUR – The World Bank has praised Malaysia’s success in drastically reducing poverty levels, but says the country’s next challenge lies in achieving more equitable and inclusive growth.
World Bank senior economist for poverty and equity, Ririn Salwa Purnamasari, acknowledged Malaysia’s rapid progress over recent decades, noting that hardcore poverty has now been almost completely eliminated.
“Malaysia’s efforts in poverty and inequality reduction have been impressive. Hardcore poverty is now almost non-existent. The government’s target on eliminating hardcore poverty has essentially been met,” she was quoted saying by Bernama.
Ririn said the nation must now move beyond eradicating hardcore poverty and look towards improving the overall quality of development. She highlighted the need for stronger outcomes in education and health in order to sustain long-term inclusive growth.
“Malaysia’s success is not only about lifting people out of hardcore poverty. The country needs to have bigger ambitions,” she said.
She added that Malaysia already has solid foundations in place, including high enrolment at secondary level, wide healthcare access and the framework outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan.
“The next steps for Malaysia are not about doing more of everything but about better connecting what Malaysia already has,” she said, adding that the country is well positioned to achieve a fair and high-income future. – December 6, 2025 SCOOP
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Felda proposes establishing national taskforce to develop oil palm carbon framework
GENTING HIGHLANDS: The Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) has proposed the establishment a national task force led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability to ensure that Malaysia develops a robust, transparent, and internationally recognised framework for oil palm-based carbon credits.
FELDA chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the agency with its extensive footprint and smallholder ecosystem, can serve as the national pilot project to operationalise and validate this framework.
"I propose that the taskforce include the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation or Bursa Malaysia as the operator of the national carbon registry.
"The Malaysian Palm Oil Board would act as the technical authority and methodology developer for oil palm-based carbon standards, while SIRIM Bhd, through SIRIM QAS International, would function as the accredited certification and verification body,” he said.
Ahmad Shabery said this in his keynote address at the Second Unlocking Revenue and Sustainability Exploring Carbon Credit Opportunities at the Palm Oil Industry 2025 Conference here, today.
With the theme, "ASEAN Biomass in Focus”, the conference has established itself as a key platform connecting the carbon market with the palm oil sector and supporting a future for the industry to lead in sustainability, leveraging carbon credits to reduce environmental impact and drive innovation.
Ahmad Shabery also said that the first step in the palm oil sector’s carbon-credit journey is to recognise and register Malaysia’s own oil palm-based carbon credits under a national carbon registry.
Once the carbon credits are recognised and traded, they will embody both pillars of Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 vision: sustainability and inclusivity.
"They will represent the collective commitment of our government, industry, and smallholders to a greener, fairer, and more resilient future,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Shabery has also suggested introducing a carbon enhancement protocol into the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, effectively transforming it into MSPO 3.0.
"This version (MSPO 3.0) will integrate carbon accounting and crediting mechanisms within the certification process,” he added. - Bernama/ The StarMY
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Indonesian Borneo’s Last Biodiverse Backbone Under Threat
Keeping Indigenous Peoples' stewardship on the frontlines of protecting biodiversity against industrial corporations
Key Findings
Mahakam Ulu Regency, which is located in the middle of the Kalimantan forest landscape bordering Malaysia, is a part of Kalimantan’s last forest backbone and biodiversity hotspots. It is also the upstream area of the second-longest river in Indonesia, the Mahakam River. With an administrative area of 1,531,500 hectares, about 89.5% of the area is still tropical forest, which has high biodiversity potential.
Nusantara Atlas estimated that in 2023, Mahakam Ulu still had 1,571,456 hectares of forest cover remaining, or about 85% of the district’s administrative area. This remaining forest is under threat by deforestation for the conversion of forests to palm oil plantations that began in early 2010, with the area of oil palm concession in 2023 being around 33,982 ha, pushing many species toward extinction and driving biodiversity toward collapse.
Key finding of the forest footprint evaluation in RAN’s Keep Borneo’s Forest Standing report 2021 shows that 172,709 hectares of rainforests have been converted to oil palm plantations in East Kalimantan — controlled by major corporate suppliers — channeling forest-risk commodities into global supply chains. Much of this deforestation overlaps with Indigenous Dayak territories, threatening their livelihoods, cultural survival, and land rights. Despite corporate “zero-deforestation” pledges, these industrial corporations continue to drive ecosystem collapse and human rights violations through their sourcing practices.
In the heart of East Kalimantan, where the Mahakam River meanders through dense tropical forests and ancient peat swamps, lies one of Borneo’s last living ecosystem backbones — the Mahakam Landscape. This vast mosaic of rainforests, rivers, and wetlands still carries the memory of an island once blanketed in green.
The Mahakam landscape refers to the watershed of Indonesia’s second-longest river, which flows for 931 km. This landscape stretches over 77,000 km² and is divided into upstream and downstream areas. The upper river area located in Mahakam Ulu regency is one of the last bastions of intact rainforest in the landscape — it forms part of the backbone of biodiversity in Kalimantan, connecting forest corridors in the provinces of West Kalimantan and North Kalimantan. Lower Mahakam, which lies in the two other adjacent regencies of West Kutai and Kutai Kartanegara, is also home to critical wetlands and peatlands, yet extractive industries are already having a destructive impact. Rainforest Action Network
World Bank hails Malaysia’s poverty gains, urges shift towards more equitable growth
A senior World Bank economist says Malaysia has largely achieved its hardcore poverty eradication target and must now prioritise inclusive development, especially in education and healthcare
KUALA LUMPUR – The World Bank has praised Malaysia’s success in drastically reducing poverty levels, but says the country’s next challenge lies in achieving more equitable and inclusive growth.
World Bank senior economist for poverty and equity, Ririn Salwa Purnamasari, acknowledged Malaysia’s rapid progress over recent decades, noting that hardcore poverty has now been almost completely eliminated.
“Malaysia’s efforts in poverty and inequality reduction have been impressive. Hardcore poverty is now almost non-existent. The government’s target on eliminating hardcore poverty has essentially been met,” she was quoted saying by Bernama.
Ririn said the nation must now move beyond eradicating hardcore poverty and look towards improving the overall quality of development. She highlighted the need for stronger outcomes in education and health in order to sustain long-term inclusive growth.
“Malaysia’s success is not only about lifting people out of hardcore poverty. The country needs to have bigger ambitions,” she said.
She added that Malaysia already has solid foundations in place, including high enrolment at secondary level, wide healthcare access and the framework outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan.
“The next steps for Malaysia are not about doing more of everything but about better connecting what Malaysia already has,” she said, adding that the country is well positioned to achieve a fair and high-income future. – December 6, 2025 SCOOP
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Felda proposes establishing national taskforce to develop oil palm carbon framework
GENTING HIGHLANDS: The Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) has proposed the establishment a national task force led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability to ensure that Malaysia develops a robust, transparent, and internationally recognised framework for oil palm-based carbon credits.
FELDA chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the agency with its extensive footprint and smallholder ecosystem, can serve as the national pilot project to operationalise and validate this framework.
"I propose that the taskforce include the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation or Bursa Malaysia as the operator of the national carbon registry.
"The Malaysian Palm Oil Board would act as the technical authority and methodology developer for oil palm-based carbon standards, while SIRIM Bhd, through SIRIM QAS International, would function as the accredited certification and verification body,” he said.
Ahmad Shabery said this in his keynote address at the Second Unlocking Revenue and Sustainability Exploring Carbon Credit Opportunities at the Palm Oil Industry 2025 Conference here, today.
With the theme, "ASEAN Biomass in Focus”, the conference has established itself as a key platform connecting the carbon market with the palm oil sector and supporting a future for the industry to lead in sustainability, leveraging carbon credits to reduce environmental impact and drive innovation.
Ahmad Shabery also said that the first step in the palm oil sector’s carbon-credit journey is to recognise and register Malaysia’s own oil palm-based carbon credits under a national carbon registry.
Once the carbon credits are recognised and traded, they will embody both pillars of Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 vision: sustainability and inclusivity.
"They will represent the collective commitment of our government, industry, and smallholders to a greener, fairer, and more resilient future,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Shabery has also suggested introducing a carbon enhancement protocol into the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, effectively transforming it into MSPO 3.0.
"This version (MSPO 3.0) will integrate carbon accounting and crediting mechanisms within the certification process,” he added. - Bernama/ The StarMY
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Indonesian Borneo’s Last Biodiverse Backbone Under Threat
Keeping Indigenous Peoples' stewardship on the frontlines of protecting biodiversity against industrial corporations
Key Findings
Mahakam Ulu Regency, which is located in the middle of the Kalimantan forest landscape bordering Malaysia, is a part of Kalimantan’s last forest backbone and biodiversity hotspots. It is also the upstream area of the second-longest river in Indonesia, the Mahakam River. With an administrative area of 1,531,500 hectares, about 89.5% of the area is still tropical forest, which has high biodiversity potential.
Nusantara Atlas estimated that in 2023, Mahakam Ulu still had 1,571,456 hectares of forest cover remaining, or about 85% of the district’s administrative area. This remaining forest is under threat by deforestation for the conversion of forests to palm oil plantations that began in early 2010, with the area of oil palm concession in 2023 being around 33,982 ha, pushing many species toward extinction and driving biodiversity toward collapse.
Key finding of the forest footprint evaluation in RAN’s Keep Borneo’s Forest Standing report 2021 shows that 172,709 hectares of rainforests have been converted to oil palm plantations in East Kalimantan — controlled by major corporate suppliers — channeling forest-risk commodities into global supply chains. Much of this deforestation overlaps with Indigenous Dayak territories, threatening their livelihoods, cultural survival, and land rights. Despite corporate “zero-deforestation” pledges, these industrial corporations continue to drive ecosystem collapse and human rights violations through their sourcing practices.
In the heart of East Kalimantan, where the Mahakam River meanders through dense tropical forests and ancient peat swamps, lies one of Borneo’s last living ecosystem backbones — the Mahakam Landscape. This vast mosaic of rainforests, rivers, and wetlands still carries the memory of an island once blanketed in green.
The Mahakam landscape refers to the watershed of Indonesia’s second-longest river, which flows for 931 km. This landscape stretches over 77,000 km² and is divided into upstream and downstream areas. The upper river area located in Mahakam Ulu regency is one of the last bastions of intact rainforest in the landscape — it forms part of the backbone of biodiversity in Kalimantan, connecting forest corridors in the provinces of West Kalimantan and North Kalimantan. Lower Mahakam, which lies in the two other adjacent regencies of West Kutai and Kutai Kartanegara, is also home to critical wetlands and peatlands, yet extractive industries are already having a destructive impact. Rainforest Action Network
December 05, 2025
EU to delay anti-deforestation law. Again.
It continues a trend of cutting back, delaying and cancelling EU laws brought in under the European Green Deal.
The European Union will delay for a year and cut back a controversial law targeting global deforestation, following a backlash from member countries and right-wing lawmakers.
The European Commission, which holds executive power, bowed to pressure from the Parliament and the Council of the EU late Thursday, agreeing to put off implementation of the anti-deforestation law until Dec. 2026 and review the rules early next year.
It's the second time the EU has delayed the law for a year, and continues a trend of weakening and cancelling EU environmental laws under pressure from business, trading partners and far-right lawmakers.
“The aim is to ensure simplification of the deforestation regulation so it can be implemented effectively and without unnecessary burdens, while keeping its environmental ambition,” said the Danish presidency of the Council in a written statement.
The EU's anti-deforestation law requires that companies police their supply chains to ensure that any commodities they use, such as palm oil, beef or coffee, have not contributed to deforestation.
In a bid to appease unhappy trade partners and businesses, the Commission in October proposed to make the law effective Dec. 30 with some simplifying amendments and a six-month grace period for companies that struggle to comply.
But now, under the deal struck Thursday night, businesses will have at least one more year to comply with the rules. It will apply for large operators and traders as of Dec. 30, 2026, and for small operators as of June 30, 2027.
The agreement introduces simpler due diligence requirements. By next April the Commission must review the law’s impact and its administrative burden.
The co-legislators also agreed to exclude printed products from the scope of the regulation, as requested by the Parliament. Books are “sources of content and information and should not be treated as commodities,” said Federation of European Publishers President Sonia Draga last week.
"The omnibus reaps yet another victim: forests and their protections against the endless consumption of pulp and paper,” said Mateus Carvalho, a consumption reduction campaigner at the Environmental Paper Network.
The Parliament is scheduled to vote on the deal Dec. 16.Politico
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EU hits deal to delay key deforestation law, review in April
Lawmakers agreed to exempt printed products from the scope of the regulation
EU lawmakers reached a political agreement on Thursday evening to delay the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by one year and insert a review clause, focusing on simplification, to be carried out by April 2026.
The deal, struck in a single round of negotiations between MEPs and Council, will now be formally approved by the European Parliament during the Strasbourg plenary in the week of 15 December.
Meanwhile, EU governments will also have to give their final endorsement.
The law’s implementation had already been pushed back after a similarly rushed negotiation process in December last year.
The agreement confirms that companies placing products such as cocoa, coffee, soy, palm oil, rubber, livestock, and timber on the EU market will now have until the end of 2026 to comply with due-diligence obligations proving their supply chains are not linked to deforestation.
Small companies will only have to comply from 30 June, 2027 under the deal.
Parliament and Council agreed to request a new impact assessment by April 2026, a move that could pave the way for reopening of the legislation.
Socialist Delara Burkhardt said the outcome was expected but still disappointing. “We had two clear red lines: we cannot accept a review before the regulation even enters into application,” she added.
Speaking to Euractiv before the negotiations, the lead Parliament negotiator, Christine Schneider from the European People’s Party, said that the review clause doesn’t necessarily mean that the entire text will be reopened in April.
“We want to avoid again being under time pressure without the possibility to discuss things in a democratic way,” she added, noting that this would help in case that, the Commission “comes again with a problem” by October.
Lawmakers also agreed to exempt printed products such as books, newspapers and pictures from the scope of the regulation – a demand coming from MEPs.
Green MEP Marie Toussaint feared that other goods would follow after the printed products’ exemption, including leather. “This was not a technical adjustment: it is a political dismantling,” she said. Euractiv
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Palm oil consumption forecast to increase
PETALING JAYA: Bearish supply demand fundamentals in the edible oils market could weigh on the price of crude palm oil (CPO) in 2026, according to MARC Ratings.
It projects CPO prices to range between RM3,850 and RM4,250 per tonne in 2026 as compared to RM4,300 per tonne in 2025, underpinned by more favourable weather patterns, recovering yields and a gradual normalisation in global production of edible oils.
The ratings firm said other factors include demand for biodiesel and a weaker US dollar, underpinned a higher average CPO price in 2025 compared to 2024 – supported by elevated prices of competing vegetable oils.
It noted demand dynamics are supportive with the US Department of Agriculture forecasting global palm oil consumption to grow but at slightly below total production.
Major destination markets like India are expected to maintain purchases, supported by CPO’s price competitiveness against other vegetable oils.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is projecting a 2.1% increase in the utilisation of oils and fats in 2026, mainly for biofuels.
Indonesia’s move to increase its biodiesel blend rate to 40% (B40) from 35% (B35) helped CPO prices in 2025.
MARC Ratings stated a 10% increase in the biodiesel blend rate could raise annual palm oil consumption by above four million tonnes or around 5% of global production.
Jakarta intends to raise the blend rate further to B50 in 2026, according to reports.
CPO production has been supported by yield recovery with the improved weather conditions after the 2023-2024 El Niño event. Total output in Indonesia had risen by 11.3% year-to-date as at September, while Malaysia posted a modest 1.8% increase as at October, it added.
Drier weather in Canada and Europe may hinder yield recovery in rapeseed oil production there, but Brazil’s soybean production is set to grow in 2026, which could offset any drop in production in Argentina or the United States.
“Collectively, these mixed conditions for competing oils suggest that CPO may struggle to revisit the price highs observed in late 2024 and early 2025,” MARC Ratings forecastThe Star
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Palm oil sector could drive Malaysia’s net-zero emissions goals
GENTING HIGHLANDS (Dec 5): The palm oil sector could be a major contributor towards Malaysia’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, rather than a liability, as mature oil palm plantations sequester substantial amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) director general Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Khadir said with sustainable practices and innovations, the sector could further enhance carbon stocks while supplying food, fuel, and materials to a growing world.
“Malaysia is home to approximately 5.7 million hectares of oil palm, making us the world’s second-largest producer of palm oil.
“This vast plantation area is more than just a source of edible oil and renewable energy; it is a massive carbon sink, a biodiversity corridor when managed sustainably, and now, increasingly, a platform for generating high-integrity carbon credits,” he said.
Ahmad Parveez said this during his opening address at the 2nd Unlocking Revenue and Sustainability Exploring Carbon Credit Opportunities in The Palm Oil Industry 2025 Conference here on Friday.
With the theme “Asean Biomass in Focus”, the conference established itself as a key platform connecting the carbon market with the palm oil sector, and supporting a future for the industry to lead in sustainability, leveraging carbon credits to reduce environmental impact and drive innovation.
According to Ahmad Parveez, studies also showed that mature oil palm plantations could store an estimated up to 30-40 tonnes of carbon per hectare in the standing biomass alone, proving their role as a significant terrestrial carbon sink.
He also said carbon credit methodologies are specifically needed to design oil palm biomass shine, as Malaysia generates more than 100 million tonnes of oil palm biomass annually from trunks, fronds, empty fruit bunches, mesocarp fibres, palm kernel shells, and mill effluent.
This significant volume of by-products represents immense potential as an abundant, renewable, and sustainable resource for renewable energy generation, the production of high-value bio-products and biochemicals, as well as for the application in sustainable construction and green building materials. The Edge
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COP30: Biofuel industries advocate changes to the Soy Moratorium, a pact against Amazon deforestation
Signed by environmentalists and businesses, the moratorium is seen as one of the main factors for reducing deforestation in municipalities with grain plantations in the Amazon. The debate on biofuels takes place at a time when Brazil is trying to be a global leader on the subject.
FROM BELÉM, Pará – André Nassar is the executive president of the Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries (ABIOVE), an organization representing the country's largest grain processors. He says that companies do not want to “break with the soy moratorium,” but he advocates “some kind of improvement” in the agreement that bans sourcing from areas deforested after July 2008 in the Amazon.
The statement was given to Repórter Brasil after he participated in a panel on Saturday (15) during COP30, in Belém, Pará. The event discussed biofuel production in Brazil. Today, seven out of ten liters of diesel manufactured from agricultural raw materials come from soybeans.
Environmental organizations claim that changes to the agreement could weaken the fight against deforestation and advocate keeping the current rules. To date, no concrete proposal has been presented to change them.
Signed by private companies, NGOs, and public authorities, the moratorium is considered one of the main instruments for preserving the Amazon biome, having contributed to a 69% reduction in clearing of native forests by 2022 , according to estimates by the Soy Working Group (GTS), which includes environmental organizations, the federal government, businesses, and associations such as ABIOVE itself.
Rural producers critical of the agreement want to plant soy in areas deforested after 2008, which cannot supply signatory companies, according to the rules of the agreement.
Currently, the business pact is under evaluation by Brazil's Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) and the Supreme Federal Court (STF).
Supreme Court Justice Flávio Dino ordered the suspension of all legal and administrative actions that discuss the validity of the moratorium and its compatibility with competition rules. The injunction seeks to avoid conflicting decisions and establish a “safe legal framework” for agribusinesses in a scenario of billion-dollar disputes.
The president of ABIOVE says that the industry has been committed to the pact for almost 20 years. According to Nassar, rural producer associations have been pressuring companies to be paid compensation for areas that have ceased to be cultivated due to the moratorium, which he sees as “absurd.”
Asked if increasing soybean production to meet the higher demand for biofuels could increase pressure on the forests, he disagreed. "I don't agree with the argument that more biodiesel results in more soybean-planted area. Expansion of plantations is driven much more by exports of soybeans as grains. It's the demand for food, not the demand for energy," he argued.
Biofuel offensive involves “producing” science, executive says
In his presentation at the COP30 panel, Nassar stated that the soybean oil industry needs to “produce science to work on all the communication aspects.” Addressed to an audience dominated by industry representatives, the sentence was used to advocate agricultural biofuels at a time when the sector is under criticism.
Nassar stated that, after the UN climate conference, “the whole world will zoom in on Brazil” to discuss agricultural biofuels and question two points: competition with food production and deforestation associated with supply chains. “We are ready for that,” he said.
The optimistic statements contrast with the scenario that social organizations and researchers have been documenting on the ground. Far from the controlled environment of the COP30 negotiation zone, the supply chains that underpin ethanol, biodiesel, and SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) have been associated with territorial conflicts, deforestation, and labor violations. Reporter Brasil
The debate on biofuels at the climate summit is taking place at a time when the Brazilian government is trying to make the country a global leader on the agenda. In Brasília, President Lula presented the Belém 4X Commitment – an international declaration sponsored by Brazil, Italy, and Japan that proposes quadrupling the global use of sustainable fuels by 2035 over 2024.
The document includes biofuels, biogas, hydrogen, and e-fuels, and speaks of energy transition, carbon neutrality, and rapid expansion of these sources in sectors such as transportation, aviation, and industry.
The debate over the land use for food or biofuel has not been overcome
According to ABIOVE's president, two-thirds of Brazilian soybean production is exported as grains, and only one-third is processed. The goal is to increase industrialization – converting soybeans into biofuel is a core part of this process. He says that industrialization would increase the value paid to producers by 50% and add four times more value to the soybean supply chain.
Despite the enthusiasm for the COP showcase, he acknowledged that the “food vs. fuel” debate – the dispute between food and fuel production regarding land use – has not been overcome yet, especially in Europe. He said that there are several documents and studies that, in the industry's view, show the absence of relevant adverse effects, but that “the other parties cling to the food vs. fuel argument based on premises rather than evidence.”
In his opinion, the main obstacle is improving communication. He pointed out the need to “disseminate positive data and information” about biofuels to influence decision-making forums and public opinion.
He recalled that COP30 has “several panels on the subject” and that it is necessary to “keep the subject alive so as not to create resistance.” Asked about the legacy of the conference, he replied that it is “the recognition of biofuels as decarbonization-based energy transition” and declared that he was “super happy about that.” Reporter Brasil
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Top cooking oils linked to obesity in India
Some cooking oils and fats when consumed often or in large amounts increase body weight, fat accumulation, or metabolic problems. Below are six cooking oils and fats based on a study conducted by NIH associated with higher obesity and health risk potential.
Soybean Oil: Frequent consumption of oils high in certain polyunsaturated fats like soybean oil may contribute to greater weight gain compared with other oils. Animal research suggests soybean oil diets led to more fat accumulation than other fats in comparable calorie diets.
Butter and Margarine: Regular consumption of solid fats such as butter and margarine is associated with higher cardiometabolic risk and increased mortality which often correlates with obesity and its complications.
Palm Oil: Palm oil is rich in saturated fats and palmitic acid. High intake of saturated fat oils such as palm oil has been linked to increased LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and historically, saturated-fat heavy oils are associated with obesity and related metabolic problems.
Over use of Any High Calorie Oil: Even “healthy” oils contain a lot of calories. Regularly cooking or frying with large amounts of oil can lead to excessive calorie intake, which over time can contribute to weight gain, fat accumulation, and obesity, regardless of the type of oil. This is a general risk with oils and fats. Indian Express
EU to delay anti-deforestation law. Again.
It continues a trend of cutting back, delaying and cancelling EU laws brought in under the European Green Deal.
The European Union will delay for a year and cut back a controversial law targeting global deforestation, following a backlash from member countries and right-wing lawmakers.
The European Commission, which holds executive power, bowed to pressure from the Parliament and the Council of the EU late Thursday, agreeing to put off implementation of the anti-deforestation law until Dec. 2026 and review the rules early next year.
It's the second time the EU has delayed the law for a year, and continues a trend of weakening and cancelling EU environmental laws under pressure from business, trading partners and far-right lawmakers.
“The aim is to ensure simplification of the deforestation regulation so it can be implemented effectively and without unnecessary burdens, while keeping its environmental ambition,” said the Danish presidency of the Council in a written statement.
The EU's anti-deforestation law requires that companies police their supply chains to ensure that any commodities they use, such as palm oil, beef or coffee, have not contributed to deforestation.
In a bid to appease unhappy trade partners and businesses, the Commission in October proposed to make the law effective Dec. 30 with some simplifying amendments and a six-month grace period for companies that struggle to comply.
But now, under the deal struck Thursday night, businesses will have at least one more year to comply with the rules. It will apply for large operators and traders as of Dec. 30, 2026, and for small operators as of June 30, 2027.
The agreement introduces simpler due diligence requirements. By next April the Commission must review the law’s impact and its administrative burden.
The co-legislators also agreed to exclude printed products from the scope of the regulation, as requested by the Parliament. Books are “sources of content and information and should not be treated as commodities,” said Federation of European Publishers President Sonia Draga last week.
"The omnibus reaps yet another victim: forests and their protections against the endless consumption of pulp and paper,” said Mateus Carvalho, a consumption reduction campaigner at the Environmental Paper Network.
The Parliament is scheduled to vote on the deal Dec. 16.Politico
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EU hits deal to delay key deforestation law, review in April
Lawmakers agreed to exempt printed products from the scope of the regulation
EU lawmakers reached a political agreement on Thursday evening to delay the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by one year and insert a review clause, focusing on simplification, to be carried out by April 2026.
The deal, struck in a single round of negotiations between MEPs and Council, will now be formally approved by the European Parliament during the Strasbourg plenary in the week of 15 December.
Meanwhile, EU governments will also have to give their final endorsement.
The law’s implementation had already been pushed back after a similarly rushed negotiation process in December last year.
The agreement confirms that companies placing products such as cocoa, coffee, soy, palm oil, rubber, livestock, and timber on the EU market will now have until the end of 2026 to comply with due-diligence obligations proving their supply chains are not linked to deforestation.
Small companies will only have to comply from 30 June, 2027 under the deal.
Parliament and Council agreed to request a new impact assessment by April 2026, a move that could pave the way for reopening of the legislation.
Socialist Delara Burkhardt said the outcome was expected but still disappointing. “We had two clear red lines: we cannot accept a review before the regulation even enters into application,” she added.
Speaking to Euractiv before the negotiations, the lead Parliament negotiator, Christine Schneider from the European People’s Party, said that the review clause doesn’t necessarily mean that the entire text will be reopened in April.
“We want to avoid again being under time pressure without the possibility to discuss things in a democratic way,” she added, noting that this would help in case that, the Commission “comes again with a problem” by October.
Lawmakers also agreed to exempt printed products such as books, newspapers and pictures from the scope of the regulation – a demand coming from MEPs.
Green MEP Marie Toussaint feared that other goods would follow after the printed products’ exemption, including leather. “This was not a technical adjustment: it is a political dismantling,” she said. Euractiv
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Palm oil consumption forecast to increase
PETALING JAYA: Bearish supply demand fundamentals in the edible oils market could weigh on the price of crude palm oil (CPO) in 2026, according to MARC Ratings.
It projects CPO prices to range between RM3,850 and RM4,250 per tonne in 2026 as compared to RM4,300 per tonne in 2025, underpinned by more favourable weather patterns, recovering yields and a gradual normalisation in global production of edible oils.
The ratings firm said other factors include demand for biodiesel and a weaker US dollar, underpinned a higher average CPO price in 2025 compared to 2024 – supported by elevated prices of competing vegetable oils.
It noted demand dynamics are supportive with the US Department of Agriculture forecasting global palm oil consumption to grow but at slightly below total production.
Major destination markets like India are expected to maintain purchases, supported by CPO’s price competitiveness against other vegetable oils.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is projecting a 2.1% increase in the utilisation of oils and fats in 2026, mainly for biofuels.
Indonesia’s move to increase its biodiesel blend rate to 40% (B40) from 35% (B35) helped CPO prices in 2025.
MARC Ratings stated a 10% increase in the biodiesel blend rate could raise annual palm oil consumption by above four million tonnes or around 5% of global production.
Jakarta intends to raise the blend rate further to B50 in 2026, according to reports.
CPO production has been supported by yield recovery with the improved weather conditions after the 2023-2024 El Niño event. Total output in Indonesia had risen by 11.3% year-to-date as at September, while Malaysia posted a modest 1.8% increase as at October, it added.
Drier weather in Canada and Europe may hinder yield recovery in rapeseed oil production there, but Brazil’s soybean production is set to grow in 2026, which could offset any drop in production in Argentina or the United States.
“Collectively, these mixed conditions for competing oils suggest that CPO may struggle to revisit the price highs observed in late 2024 and early 2025,” MARC Ratings forecastThe Star
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Palm oil sector could drive Malaysia’s net-zero emissions goals
GENTING HIGHLANDS (Dec 5): The palm oil sector could be a major contributor towards Malaysia’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, rather than a liability, as mature oil palm plantations sequester substantial amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) director general Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Khadir said with sustainable practices and innovations, the sector could further enhance carbon stocks while supplying food, fuel, and materials to a growing world.
“Malaysia is home to approximately 5.7 million hectares of oil palm, making us the world’s second-largest producer of palm oil.
“This vast plantation area is more than just a source of edible oil and renewable energy; it is a massive carbon sink, a biodiversity corridor when managed sustainably, and now, increasingly, a platform for generating high-integrity carbon credits,” he said.
Ahmad Parveez said this during his opening address at the 2nd Unlocking Revenue and Sustainability Exploring Carbon Credit Opportunities in The Palm Oil Industry 2025 Conference here on Friday.
With the theme “Asean Biomass in Focus”, the conference established itself as a key platform connecting the carbon market with the palm oil sector, and supporting a future for the industry to lead in sustainability, leveraging carbon credits to reduce environmental impact and drive innovation.
According to Ahmad Parveez, studies also showed that mature oil palm plantations could store an estimated up to 30-40 tonnes of carbon per hectare in the standing biomass alone, proving their role as a significant terrestrial carbon sink.
He also said carbon credit methodologies are specifically needed to design oil palm biomass shine, as Malaysia generates more than 100 million tonnes of oil palm biomass annually from trunks, fronds, empty fruit bunches, mesocarp fibres, palm kernel shells, and mill effluent.
This significant volume of by-products represents immense potential as an abundant, renewable, and sustainable resource for renewable energy generation, the production of high-value bio-products and biochemicals, as well as for the application in sustainable construction and green building materials. The Edge
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COP30: Biofuel industries advocate changes to the Soy Moratorium, a pact against Amazon deforestation
Signed by environmentalists and businesses, the moratorium is seen as one of the main factors for reducing deforestation in municipalities with grain plantations in the Amazon. The debate on biofuels takes place at a time when Brazil is trying to be a global leader on the subject.
FROM BELÉM, Pará – André Nassar is the executive president of the Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries (ABIOVE), an organization representing the country's largest grain processors. He says that companies do not want to “break with the soy moratorium,” but he advocates “some kind of improvement” in the agreement that bans sourcing from areas deforested after July 2008 in the Amazon.
The statement was given to Repórter Brasil after he participated in a panel on Saturday (15) during COP30, in Belém, Pará. The event discussed biofuel production in Brazil. Today, seven out of ten liters of diesel manufactured from agricultural raw materials come from soybeans.
Environmental organizations claim that changes to the agreement could weaken the fight against deforestation and advocate keeping the current rules. To date, no concrete proposal has been presented to change them.
Signed by private companies, NGOs, and public authorities, the moratorium is considered one of the main instruments for preserving the Amazon biome, having contributed to a 69% reduction in clearing of native forests by 2022 , according to estimates by the Soy Working Group (GTS), which includes environmental organizations, the federal government, businesses, and associations such as ABIOVE itself.
Rural producers critical of the agreement want to plant soy in areas deforested after 2008, which cannot supply signatory companies, according to the rules of the agreement.
Currently, the business pact is under evaluation by Brazil's Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) and the Supreme Federal Court (STF).
Supreme Court Justice Flávio Dino ordered the suspension of all legal and administrative actions that discuss the validity of the moratorium and its compatibility with competition rules. The injunction seeks to avoid conflicting decisions and establish a “safe legal framework” for agribusinesses in a scenario of billion-dollar disputes.
The president of ABIOVE says that the industry has been committed to the pact for almost 20 years. According to Nassar, rural producer associations have been pressuring companies to be paid compensation for areas that have ceased to be cultivated due to the moratorium, which he sees as “absurd.”
Asked if increasing soybean production to meet the higher demand for biofuels could increase pressure on the forests, he disagreed. "I don't agree with the argument that more biodiesel results in more soybean-planted area. Expansion of plantations is driven much more by exports of soybeans as grains. It's the demand for food, not the demand for energy," he argued.
Biofuel offensive involves “producing” science, executive says
In his presentation at the COP30 panel, Nassar stated that the soybean oil industry needs to “produce science to work on all the communication aspects.” Addressed to an audience dominated by industry representatives, the sentence was used to advocate agricultural biofuels at a time when the sector is under criticism.
Nassar stated that, after the UN climate conference, “the whole world will zoom in on Brazil” to discuss agricultural biofuels and question two points: competition with food production and deforestation associated with supply chains. “We are ready for that,” he said.
The optimistic statements contrast with the scenario that social organizations and researchers have been documenting on the ground. Far from the controlled environment of the COP30 negotiation zone, the supply chains that underpin ethanol, biodiesel, and SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) have been associated with territorial conflicts, deforestation, and labor violations. Reporter Brasil
The debate on biofuels at the climate summit is taking place at a time when the Brazilian government is trying to make the country a global leader on the agenda. In Brasília, President Lula presented the Belém 4X Commitment – an international declaration sponsored by Brazil, Italy, and Japan that proposes quadrupling the global use of sustainable fuels by 2035 over 2024.
The document includes biofuels, biogas, hydrogen, and e-fuels, and speaks of energy transition, carbon neutrality, and rapid expansion of these sources in sectors such as transportation, aviation, and industry.
The debate over the land use for food or biofuel has not been overcome
According to ABIOVE's president, two-thirds of Brazilian soybean production is exported as grains, and only one-third is processed. The goal is to increase industrialization – converting soybeans into biofuel is a core part of this process. He says that industrialization would increase the value paid to producers by 50% and add four times more value to the soybean supply chain.
Despite the enthusiasm for the COP showcase, he acknowledged that the “food vs. fuel” debate – the dispute between food and fuel production regarding land use – has not been overcome yet, especially in Europe. He said that there are several documents and studies that, in the industry's view, show the absence of relevant adverse effects, but that “the other parties cling to the food vs. fuel argument based on premises rather than evidence.”
In his opinion, the main obstacle is improving communication. He pointed out the need to “disseminate positive data and information” about biofuels to influence decision-making forums and public opinion.
He recalled that COP30 has “several panels on the subject” and that it is necessary to “keep the subject alive so as not to create resistance.” Asked about the legacy of the conference, he replied that it is “the recognition of biofuels as decarbonization-based energy transition” and declared that he was “super happy about that.” Reporter Brasil
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Top cooking oils linked to obesity in India
Some cooking oils and fats when consumed often or in large amounts increase body weight, fat accumulation, or metabolic problems. Below are six cooking oils and fats based on a study conducted by NIH associated with higher obesity and health risk potential.
Soybean Oil: Frequent consumption of oils high in certain polyunsaturated fats like soybean oil may contribute to greater weight gain compared with other oils. Animal research suggests soybean oil diets led to more fat accumulation than other fats in comparable calorie diets.
Butter and Margarine: Regular consumption of solid fats such as butter and margarine is associated with higher cardiometabolic risk and increased mortality which often correlates with obesity and its complications.
Palm Oil: Palm oil is rich in saturated fats and palmitic acid. High intake of saturated fat oils such as palm oil has been linked to increased LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and historically, saturated-fat heavy oils are associated with obesity and related metabolic problems.
Over use of Any High Calorie Oil: Even “healthy” oils contain a lot of calories. Regularly cooking or frying with large amounts of oil can lead to excessive calorie intake, which over time can contribute to weight gain, fat accumulation, and obesity, regardless of the type of oil. This is a general risk with oils and fats. Indian Express
December 04, 2025
What to expect in the end-game of EU deforestation talks
The Parliament and Council positions are mostly aligned, except on an exemption for books and other printed products
With the real political fights already settled, negotiators from the European Parliament and Council are poised to clinch an easy deal Thursday on tweaks to the EU’s deforestation rules.
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) should have entered into force by December this year and requires companies to demonstrate that certain products sold in the EU – including cocoa, coffee, soy, palm oil, rubber, livestock, and timber – did not contribute to deforestation.
Thursday evening’s meeting will be the only round of inter-institutional talks needed to seal a one-year delay and include a clause allowing the legislation to be reopened for further changes by April next year.
After EU governments signed off on their position – which was heavily shaped by Germany – the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) moved to mirror it, aiming to fast-track talks and avoid slipping past the December implementation deadline.
The decision to reopen the file was prompted by Commission warnings that technical snags could derail the planned December 2025 rollout. Enforcement had already been pushed back once, in 2024, after a similarly frantic pre-Christmas round of negotiations.
This time, however, MEPs and member states pushed well beyond the Commission’s proposal. In their negotiating positions, in addition to the extra year for all companies to comply, both institutions call for a new impact assessment by April 2026, which could pave the way for yet another legislative reopening.
That demand split the pro-EU camp. The Socialist and Renew negotiators, Delara Burkhardt and Pascal Canfin, failed to strike a deal with the EPP after multiple rounds of talks, opposing a review of the law before it even enters into force.
To show discontent with the right-wing alliance, the lead negotiators for the S&D, Renew, and the Greens/EFA won’t be present at tomorrow’s meeting, two parliamentary staffers confirmed.
At last week’s plenary vote, the EPP instead turned to the right-wing bloc – including Patriots for Europe and the European Conservatives and Reformists – to push through several amendments. Some of the changes were ultimately also backed by 40% of Renew MEPs, who broke with Canfin’s line.
The only sticking point that is still dividing Parliament and Council is that MEPs want to carve out an exemption for printed books, newspapers, photographs, and other products from the printing sector. However, a parliamentary staffer close to the negotiations said that even if the Council doesn’t accept it, it won’t be a dealbreaker for MEPs. Euractiv
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Agri-feedstocks, the emerging backbone of Europe’s biofuel ambitions
Europe’s energy giants are seeking to harness the potential of agricultural residues to increase the use of biofuel
As Europe races to decarbonise transport, biofuels are taking on renewed strategic importance. The European Commission has just published a bioeconomy strategy which recommends increasing the use of advanced biofuels for heavy transport. Europe’s energy companies are busy looking at ways to do that, and they have one major element in their sights – agri-feedstocks.
Biofuels derived from agricultural residues and non-food crops are emerging as a critical pillar of Europe’s clean-energy strategy. They are able to provide immediate emissions reductions in sectors where alternatives remain costly or technically challenging. They’re also compatible with existing transport infrastructure, particularly for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and marine fuels.
The International Energy Agency expects a surge in demand for these fuels: by 2030, advanced biofuels from waste, residues, and non-food crops could represent more than 40% of global consumption, up from just 9% in 2021.
But biofuels also come with challenges and controversy. The EU backtracked on its original subtarget for biofuels in transport as part of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) because it was found that the incentives to use ‘first-generation’ biofuels such as palm oil were driving indirect land use change (ILUC), diverting food crops to fuel and contributing to deforestation. Now, only second-generation biofuels can be counted toward the subtarget.
An agricultural revolution
Energy companies in Europe are examining how agri-feedstock chains can be carefully designed to be utilised for biofuels without disrupting food production or driving deforestation. This can be achieved, for instance, by utilising feedstocks derived from degraded land, rotational crops, or residues. But this will require changes to how agriculture is conducted in Europe, says Nicolò Aggogeri, head of Agribusiness at the Italian energy giant Eni, which is growing its biofuels business.
“To fully unlock the potential of biofuels in decarbonising transport, agriculture needs to undergo a strategic transformation at scale,” he says. “The key lies in integrating new cropping systems – particularly intermediate crops – into existing production cycles and enhancing the productivity of underutilised [degraded] land, enabling feedstock expansion without triggering additional land use or compromising food security.”
Aggogeri says there is now a clear regulatory path forward for this approach, thanks to the inclusion of intermediate crops and crops cultivated on severely degraded lands in Annex IX of the revised RED. “Achieving this shift demands innovation on several fronts,” he says.
“Agronomic practices need to be reoriented toward soil regeneration, precision agriculture and water-efficient cultivation, supported by advanced seed genetics developed specifically for resilience and oil yield performance.”
The vegetable oil path
ENI is positioning itself to supply its growing biorefining network with sustainable vegetable oils for hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) production. Their strategy focuses on oil-bearing plants grown on degraded or underutilised land, especially castor crops resilient to arid conditions. Rotational crops such as rapeseed and sunflower that fit into existing agricultural cycles without competing with food production are also being pursued, as well as waste and residue streams such as used cooking oils, agro-industrial residues, and forestry by-products.
“HVO can contribute to the immediate decarbonization of transport sectors, both for light vehicles, supporting the development of alternative energy carriers, and for hard-to-abate transport sectors like road heavy duty, maritime and aviation,” says Aggogeri. “It is already available biofuel, and it is a drop-in product that can be used – also in pure form – in the existing distribution infrastructures and in all engines approved for its use.”
The RED’s emissions calculation criteria say HVO enables an emissions reduction of between 60% and 90% compared to fossil fuels, he says.
Such biorefineries, called Enilive, can be found in Venice and Sicily. They process waste feedstocks such as used cooking oil and animal fat, and agro-food industry residues integrated by vegetable oil volumes. These raw materials are delivered to the biorefineries by ships and tanker trucks and stored in tanks before undergoing a number of physical and chemical treatments to convert them into biofuels.
The feedstocks processed in biorefineries consist mainly of triglycerides and fatty acids, which are converted into hydrocarbons in the Ecofining unit. The final product properties are almost identical to those of fossil-based diesel fuel.
ENI isn’t the only energy company pursuing this strategy. Neste in Finland, Europe’s largest renewable diesel and SAF producer, has built one of the world’s biggest supply chains for waste- and residue-based oils.
TotalEnergies in France is converting several French refineries into biorefineries using rapeseed, animal fats and agricultural residues. Repsol in Spain is building an advanced biofuels plant in Cartagena that will rely on agricultural residues, and BP in the UK is expanding its European biofuel capacities through joint ventures with agricultural processors using advanced ethanol-to-jet technologies.
Partnerships with Africa
ENI and others are using agri-hubs, local pressing plants that form the industrial backbone of its supply chain, which are often operated with partners. By-products from pressing are valorised into animal feed or fertilisers, but can also be used as feedstocks. ENI now has these partnerships outside Italy in eight countries: Kenya, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Congo, Angola, Kazakhstan, Vietnam and Indonesia, with further assessments underway in Europe, Brazil, Africa and Asia.
Since 2021, ENI has built a robust agri-feedstock chain in Kenya with two agri-hubs in Makueni and Bonje, with a combined capacity of 70,000 tonnes of vegetable oil annually. In the Congo, ENI has cultivated 15,000 hectares in 2025, supported by 200 new agricultural vehicles. They’ve also launched training programmes to build mechanisation skills and create a specialised labour force, with around 400 local technicians and tractor operators involved
All of this activity needs robust certification to demonstrate its contribution to sustainability. Agri feedstock supply chains are certified according to the European sustainability scheme ISCC-EU (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) as required by the current EU RED regulatory framework.
A recent report by the consultancy Studio Gear Up provided recommendations for certification of these intermediate crops in the RED.
The report recommends introducing a definition of intermediate crops that focuses on the role they have in providing additional feedstock volumes compared to the existing practice at a farm, and that relates to their position in the rotation scheme. It also says the Commission should widen the optionality in RED definitions to allow for intermediate crops to count toward subtargets in all transport sectors. Euractiv
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Malaysia plans strengthened response to forced labour
A proposed new national action plan will help Malaysia reach its goal of eliminating forced labour by 2030.
Kuala Lumpur (ILO News) – Malaysia is strengthening its response to forced labour through the development of the country’s next National Action Plan on Forced Labour (NAP-FL) for the period 2026-2030.
A workshop organized by the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) on 20-21 November 2025 with technical support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), brought together representatives of government, employers’, workers’ and civil society to review the draft plan.
Aimed at driving Malaysia toward meeting its goal of eliminating forced labour by 2030, the plan includes renewed commitments to prevention, stronger governance of labour migration and recruitment, improved enforcement and compliance systems, and expanded protection and remedy for victims, including migrant workers.
Participants discussed the main elements of the draft plan and also examined proposals for a strengthened governance structure to support coordinated implementation in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
The Ministry of Human Resources underlined the Government’s determination to build on the first NAP-FL (2021–2025) and to keep forced labour high on the national agenda.
“The action plan that will be developed for 2026–2030 must be proactive, effective and commit to the nation’s aspiration of eliminating forced labour by 2030,” said Rafea'ah Binti Nahar, Undersecretary of the Policy Division, Ministry of Human Resources.
The ILO underscored that Malaysia’s efforts are anchored in its obligations under the ILO Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) and its 2014 Protocol, and relevant international labour standards.
“The draft Plan is the result of a comprehensive and inclusive process, that reflects the strength of Malaysia’s approach and the belief that sustainable change is only possible when everyone is part of the solution,” said Tuomo Poutiainen, Deputy Regional Director of the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. “Through collective action, we are building a future where forced labour is consigned to history.”
Following the workshop, the Ministry of Human Resources will consolidate inputs into a revised draft NAP-FL 2026–2030, which will be shared with the relevant ministries and agencies before being submitted to the Cabinet for approval. The ILO will continue to support Malaysia in implementing the plan, and in meeting its commitments under international labour standards, including ILO Convention 29 and its Protocol of 2014. ILO
What to expect in the end-game of EU deforestation talks
The Parliament and Council positions are mostly aligned, except on an exemption for books and other printed products
With the real political fights already settled, negotiators from the European Parliament and Council are poised to clinch an easy deal Thursday on tweaks to the EU’s deforestation rules.
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) should have entered into force by December this year and requires companies to demonstrate that certain products sold in the EU – including cocoa, coffee, soy, palm oil, rubber, livestock, and timber – did not contribute to deforestation.
Thursday evening’s meeting will be the only round of inter-institutional talks needed to seal a one-year delay and include a clause allowing the legislation to be reopened for further changes by April next year.
After EU governments signed off on their position – which was heavily shaped by Germany – the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) moved to mirror it, aiming to fast-track talks and avoid slipping past the December implementation deadline.
The decision to reopen the file was prompted by Commission warnings that technical snags could derail the planned December 2025 rollout. Enforcement had already been pushed back once, in 2024, after a similarly frantic pre-Christmas round of negotiations.
This time, however, MEPs and member states pushed well beyond the Commission’s proposal. In their negotiating positions, in addition to the extra year for all companies to comply, both institutions call for a new impact assessment by April 2026, which could pave the way for yet another legislative reopening.
That demand split the pro-EU camp. The Socialist and Renew negotiators, Delara Burkhardt and Pascal Canfin, failed to strike a deal with the EPP after multiple rounds of talks, opposing a review of the law before it even enters into force.
To show discontent with the right-wing alliance, the lead negotiators for the S&D, Renew, and the Greens/EFA won’t be present at tomorrow’s meeting, two parliamentary staffers confirmed.
At last week’s plenary vote, the EPP instead turned to the right-wing bloc – including Patriots for Europe and the European Conservatives and Reformists – to push through several amendments. Some of the changes were ultimately also backed by 40% of Renew MEPs, who broke with Canfin’s line.
The only sticking point that is still dividing Parliament and Council is that MEPs want to carve out an exemption for printed books, newspapers, photographs, and other products from the printing sector. However, a parliamentary staffer close to the negotiations said that even if the Council doesn’t accept it, it won’t be a dealbreaker for MEPs. Euractiv
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Agri-feedstocks, the emerging backbone of Europe’s biofuel ambitions
Europe’s energy giants are seeking to harness the potential of agricultural residues to increase the use of biofuel
As Europe races to decarbonise transport, biofuels are taking on renewed strategic importance. The European Commission has just published a bioeconomy strategy which recommends increasing the use of advanced biofuels for heavy transport. Europe’s energy companies are busy looking at ways to do that, and they have one major element in their sights – agri-feedstocks.
Biofuels derived from agricultural residues and non-food crops are emerging as a critical pillar of Europe’s clean-energy strategy. They are able to provide immediate emissions reductions in sectors where alternatives remain costly or technically challenging. They’re also compatible with existing transport infrastructure, particularly for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and marine fuels.
The International Energy Agency expects a surge in demand for these fuels: by 2030, advanced biofuels from waste, residues, and non-food crops could represent more than 40% of global consumption, up from just 9% in 2021.
But biofuels also come with challenges and controversy. The EU backtracked on its original subtarget for biofuels in transport as part of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) because it was found that the incentives to use ‘first-generation’ biofuels such as palm oil were driving indirect land use change (ILUC), diverting food crops to fuel and contributing to deforestation. Now, only second-generation biofuels can be counted toward the subtarget.
An agricultural revolution
Energy companies in Europe are examining how agri-feedstock chains can be carefully designed to be utilised for biofuels without disrupting food production or driving deforestation. This can be achieved, for instance, by utilising feedstocks derived from degraded land, rotational crops, or residues. But this will require changes to how agriculture is conducted in Europe, says Nicolò Aggogeri, head of Agribusiness at the Italian energy giant Eni, which is growing its biofuels business.
“To fully unlock the potential of biofuels in decarbonising transport, agriculture needs to undergo a strategic transformation at scale,” he says. “The key lies in integrating new cropping systems – particularly intermediate crops – into existing production cycles and enhancing the productivity of underutilised [degraded] land, enabling feedstock expansion without triggering additional land use or compromising food security.”
Aggogeri says there is now a clear regulatory path forward for this approach, thanks to the inclusion of intermediate crops and crops cultivated on severely degraded lands in Annex IX of the revised RED. “Achieving this shift demands innovation on several fronts,” he says.
“Agronomic practices need to be reoriented toward soil regeneration, precision agriculture and water-efficient cultivation, supported by advanced seed genetics developed specifically for resilience and oil yield performance.”
The vegetable oil path
ENI is positioning itself to supply its growing biorefining network with sustainable vegetable oils for hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) production. Their strategy focuses on oil-bearing plants grown on degraded or underutilised land, especially castor crops resilient to arid conditions. Rotational crops such as rapeseed and sunflower that fit into existing agricultural cycles without competing with food production are also being pursued, as well as waste and residue streams such as used cooking oils, agro-industrial residues, and forestry by-products.
“HVO can contribute to the immediate decarbonization of transport sectors, both for light vehicles, supporting the development of alternative energy carriers, and for hard-to-abate transport sectors like road heavy duty, maritime and aviation,” says Aggogeri. “It is already available biofuel, and it is a drop-in product that can be used – also in pure form – in the existing distribution infrastructures and in all engines approved for its use.”
The RED’s emissions calculation criteria say HVO enables an emissions reduction of between 60% and 90% compared to fossil fuels, he says.
Such biorefineries, called Enilive, can be found in Venice and Sicily. They process waste feedstocks such as used cooking oil and animal fat, and agro-food industry residues integrated by vegetable oil volumes. These raw materials are delivered to the biorefineries by ships and tanker trucks and stored in tanks before undergoing a number of physical and chemical treatments to convert them into biofuels.
The feedstocks processed in biorefineries consist mainly of triglycerides and fatty acids, which are converted into hydrocarbons in the Ecofining unit. The final product properties are almost identical to those of fossil-based diesel fuel.
ENI isn’t the only energy company pursuing this strategy. Neste in Finland, Europe’s largest renewable diesel and SAF producer, has built one of the world’s biggest supply chains for waste- and residue-based oils.
TotalEnergies in France is converting several French refineries into biorefineries using rapeseed, animal fats and agricultural residues. Repsol in Spain is building an advanced biofuels plant in Cartagena that will rely on agricultural residues, and BP in the UK is expanding its European biofuel capacities through joint ventures with agricultural processors using advanced ethanol-to-jet technologies.
Partnerships with Africa
ENI and others are using agri-hubs, local pressing plants that form the industrial backbone of its supply chain, which are often operated with partners. By-products from pressing are valorised into animal feed or fertilisers, but can also be used as feedstocks. ENI now has these partnerships outside Italy in eight countries: Kenya, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Congo, Angola, Kazakhstan, Vietnam and Indonesia, with further assessments underway in Europe, Brazil, Africa and Asia.
Since 2021, ENI has built a robust agri-feedstock chain in Kenya with two agri-hubs in Makueni and Bonje, with a combined capacity of 70,000 tonnes of vegetable oil annually. In the Congo, ENI has cultivated 15,000 hectares in 2025, supported by 200 new agricultural vehicles. They’ve also launched training programmes to build mechanisation skills and create a specialised labour force, with around 400 local technicians and tractor operators involved
All of this activity needs robust certification to demonstrate its contribution to sustainability. Agri feedstock supply chains are certified according to the European sustainability scheme ISCC-EU (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) as required by the current EU RED regulatory framework.
A recent report by the consultancy Studio Gear Up provided recommendations for certification of these intermediate crops in the RED.
The report recommends introducing a definition of intermediate crops that focuses on the role they have in providing additional feedstock volumes compared to the existing practice at a farm, and that relates to their position in the rotation scheme. It also says the Commission should widen the optionality in RED definitions to allow for intermediate crops to count toward subtargets in all transport sectors. Euractiv
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Malaysia plans strengthened response to forced labour
A proposed new national action plan will help Malaysia reach its goal of eliminating forced labour by 2030.
Kuala Lumpur (ILO News) – Malaysia is strengthening its response to forced labour through the development of the country’s next National Action Plan on Forced Labour (NAP-FL) for the period 2026-2030.
A workshop organized by the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) on 20-21 November 2025 with technical support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), brought together representatives of government, employers’, workers’ and civil society to review the draft plan.
Aimed at driving Malaysia toward meeting its goal of eliminating forced labour by 2030, the plan includes renewed commitments to prevention, stronger governance of labour migration and recruitment, improved enforcement and compliance systems, and expanded protection and remedy for victims, including migrant workers.
Participants discussed the main elements of the draft plan and also examined proposals for a strengthened governance structure to support coordinated implementation in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
The Ministry of Human Resources underlined the Government’s determination to build on the first NAP-FL (2021–2025) and to keep forced labour high on the national agenda.
“The action plan that will be developed for 2026–2030 must be proactive, effective and commit to the nation’s aspiration of eliminating forced labour by 2030,” said Rafea'ah Binti Nahar, Undersecretary of the Policy Division, Ministry of Human Resources.
The ILO underscored that Malaysia’s efforts are anchored in its obligations under the ILO Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) and its 2014 Protocol, and relevant international labour standards.
“The draft Plan is the result of a comprehensive and inclusive process, that reflects the strength of Malaysia’s approach and the belief that sustainable change is only possible when everyone is part of the solution,” said Tuomo Poutiainen, Deputy Regional Director of the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. “Through collective action, we are building a future where forced labour is consigned to history.”
Following the workshop, the Ministry of Human Resources will consolidate inputs into a revised draft NAP-FL 2026–2030, which will be shared with the relevant ministries and agencies before being submitted to the Cabinet for approval. The ILO will continue to support Malaysia in implementing the plan, and in meeting its commitments under international labour standards, including ILO Convention 29 and its Protocol of 2014. ILO
December 03, 2025
Brazil votes to allow most projects & farms to skip environmental licensing
Brazil’s lawmakers have voted, by an overwhelming majority, to weaken the nation’s environmental licensing system, overturning key protections that Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had vetoed earlier this year.
Congress first passed the law, commonly called the “devastation bill” across national media outlets, in July 2025 despite widespread protests. In September, President Lula vetoed dozens of clauses in the bill to avoid the worst environmental setbacks.
In a Nov. 27 joint session on the General Environmental Licensing Law, Congress voted to overturn 56 of the 63 presential vetoes. The Chamber of Deputies voted 268-190 in favor of overriding the vetoes, while the Senate voted 50-18.
One of the impacts of the lawmakers’ vote is that businesses will no longer need to consider impacts on communities that haven’t completed their land titling process. Indigenous and Quilombola — descendants of enslaved people — communities will be heavily impacted.
The decision to overturn the vetoes has “cemented the institutionalization of environmental racism and deepened conflicts in traditional territories,” said Alice Dandara de Assis Correia, an attorney at the Brazilian nonprofit Socioenvironmental Institute (ISA).
“If this law stands, we will face high legal uncertainty and weaker social and environmental protections,” Correia added. According to ISA, 32.6% of all Indigenous territories and 80% of Quilombola communities would be excluded from impact studies, which until now were a prerequisite for environmental licensing.
Another overturned veto allows farms that have illegally deforested or grabbed land to operate and sell their products without an environmental license, according to the Climate Observatory, a Brazilian environmental watchdog organization.
Environmental licensing would also no longer be required for large infrastructure projects, such as paving the BR-319 highway across 885 kilometers (550 miles) of the Amazon, the Climate Observatory added. “In addition to being unconstitutional, [the law] puts the health and safety of Brazilians at risk, allows broad destruction of our ecosystems and violates the country’s climate goals,” the organization wrote in a statement.
In the coming days, Congress will vote on overturning the remaining seven presidential vetoes, including one of the most contentious clauses, which would allow an estimated 90% of medium-impact businesses to “self-license.” If overturned, companies will be able to automatically produce their own environmental licenses at the click of a button by filling out an online form.
Brazil’s Environment Minister Marina Silva has announced that the government is considering challenging the Congressional overrides in court.
“We cannot treat environmental laws like they exist to hinder development. There is no development without a stable climate,” she said during a Nov. 28 interview on state-owned TV. “It is unconstitutional to override Article 225 of the Federal Constitution, which says that all citizens have the right to a healthy environment.” Mongabay
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Smarter Palm Oil: How Technology Is Making the Supply Chain More Transparent in Pakistan
Pakistan relies heavily on imported palm oil to meet its edible oil needs. In the fiscal year 2024–25, Pakistan’s edible oil imports were projected at 3.8 million tonnes, with palm oil accounting for over 75% of this volume. Indonesia supplies the bulk of this demand—fueling everything from vanaspati ghee to snack foods and baked goods. But behind this essential commodity lies a complex and often opaque global supply chain—one increasingly under pressure to become cleaner, more accountable, and transparent.
As global regulations tighten and scrutiny grows—especially around deforestation and labor practices—transparency in the palm oil trade is no longer optional. And while Pakistan doesn’t produce palm oil, it’s deeply connected to this evolving system as a major importer. That means the technologies reshaping how palm oil is tracked—from plantation to port—matter more than ever for the country’s food security, trade stability, and international reputation.
Why Transparency Matters in Pakistan’s Palm Oil Supply
Palm oil’s affordability makes it vital to Pakistan’s economy, but that reliance also comes with risk. Any disruption in supply whether due to climate shocks, export bans, or sustainability crackdowns—hits fast and hard. Plus, international buyers are demanding more than just low prices; they want guarantees that the palm oil comes from ethical, traceable sources.
Pakistan is increasingly in the spotlight. Regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) don’t just affect producers, they ripple through to every buyer, especially those who can’t verify the origin of their shipments. Without transparency, Pakistan’s food and FMCG sectors face serious exposure ranging from blocked shipments to reputational damage.
Blockchain: From Plantation to Port
Blockchain is quickly becoming the backbone of traceable palm oil. It creates a tamper-proof digital record of every step in the supply chain—from where the oil palm was grown, to which mill processed it, to how it got shipped. In Malaysia and Indonesia, major exporters are already piloting blockchain-based tracking systems.
For Pakistani importers and refiners, this tech means more than just paperwork. It’s a way to prove their oil isn’t linked to deforestation or other violations. And with growing demand for RSPO-certified and NDPE-compliant (No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation) palm oil, being able to show blockchain-backed proof of origin is quickly becoming a competitive advantage.
Satellites Are Watching
Satellite imaging is another game-changer. High-resolution images, powered by AI, can detect illegal land clearing, identify plantation boundaries, and even assess the age of oil palms. Major buyers in the industry already use this tech to make sure their supply chains are deforestation-free.
Pakistani companies can tap into this too. With satellite data, importers don’t need to take supplier claims at face value—they can verify them. That’s a huge step toward reducing risk and aligning with international expectations.
Small Farmers, Big Impact
One of the hardest parts of traceability is the first mile: smallholder farmers. Many of them sell their crops through middlemen, with no digital trail. But mobile apps are starting to fill that gap.
These platforms allow farmers to log data—location, harvest dates, land size—straight from their phones. That info then feeds into broader traceability systems. For Pakistan, this means importers can trace their oil all the way back to individual farms, making it far easier to source responsibly and meet sustainability targets.
National Platforms and Digital Dashboards
Governments are getting in on the action too. Indonesia, for example, is building a national digital tracking platform for palm oil to help meet the EU’s import requirements. These kinds of systems make it easier for buyers—including those in Pakistan—to monitor compliance and source more confidently.
Refiners and importers in Pakistan can align with these platforms to get access to better data, more reliable suppliers, and fewer supply chain surprises. It’s not just about ethics—it’s about stability.
What This Means for Pakistan
For Pakistan’s palm oil industry, smarter supply chains are more than a trend—they’re a strategic necessity. Transparent sourcing means fewer risks, better deals, and stronger global partnerships. It protects businesses from reputational blowback, future-proofs export plans, and builds resilience in a volatile global market.
Of course, tech adoption comes with costs. Blockchain systems, satellite subscriptions, and mobile integration don’t come cheap. But the cost of doing nothing—getting cut off from regulated markets, losing supplier trust, or facing backlash from consumers, is far higher.
The real challenge is making sure everyone benefits, especially smallholders. If traceability tools are only accessible to big players, the system will never be fully reliable. Inclusion isn’t just fair, it’s smart business.
Looking Ahead
Pakistan’s role in the palm oil supply chain is evolving. It’s no longer enough to import at the lowest cost. With global rules changing fast, the smarter move is to embrace traceability now using blockchain, satellite data, and mobile tools to build a clearer, stronger, and more responsible supply chain.
Transparency isn’t just the future of palm oil—it’s the foundation of smarter trade. Pakistan has everything to gain by leading, not following. GAPKI
---------
Malaysia's Felda, FGV say Terengganu land spat could disrupt operations, impact national output
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Malaysia's Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) and its commercial arm FGV Holdings Berhad said on Tuesday they had been issued an order by Terengganu state to vacate palm oil plantation land there, warning it could impact operations and national output.
FGV, one of the world’s largest palm oil producers, in a joint statement with Felda said a notice had been issued to vacate and demolish building structures and destroy crops in Terengganu within three days, describing that as an extremely tight timeline.
The Terengganu state government could not be reached by Reuters and did not immediately respond to an email request for comment outside of business hours. No notices related to Felda and FGV were reported on the state government's website on Tuesday.
FGV was privatised in August and is now fully owned and controlled by Felda, a government agency. FGV has a total oil palm landbank of 324,563 hectares and its fresh fruit bunches production reached 3.97 million metric tons last year.
Local media outlet Berita Harian on Sunday reported a trespass notice had been issued to FGV and Felda to remove assets from 10 plantations covering 15,000 hectares in the state and that the notice stemmed from a protracted disagreement about profit-sharing. Reuters
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Indian nutritionist Sakshi Lalwani Debunks Myths on Palm Oil, Labels and Everyday Nutrition
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Sakshi Lalwani Debunks Myths on Palm Oil, Labels and Everyday Nutrition
written by TLN Team December 3, 2025
With growing confusion around which cooking oils are truly healthy, the ongoing podcast series aims to help Indian households make informed, science-based choices. An episode that features nutritionist Sakshi Lalwani, who clarifies everyday concerns about cooking oil selection, label reading and safe cooking practices. The episodes blend relatable food conversations with evidence-led insights on fats, nutrition and the important role palm oil plays in Indian kitchens.
In the first Episode, Sakshi explains the basics of palm oil, a plant-based oil extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree. She breaks down how palm olein is naturally trans-fat free, stable at high temperatures, and contains Vitamin E tocotrienols and, the red palm oil contains beta-carotene, a source of provitamin A. She highlights palm oil’s balanced fatty acid mix (around 50% saturated, 40% monounsaturated and 10% polyunsaturated fats) and emphasizes that smart cooking habits, not the elimination of any one oil, are key to healthier meals.
In the next Episode, she unfolds the increasing appearance of “No Palm Oil” labels and explains how these tags are largely marketing-led, designed to create a perception of being healthier without reflecting true nutritional value. She advises listeners to look beyond front labels, check the ingredients list, and understand what oils are used as a replacement when palm oil is removed.
What Science Says About Palm Oil
The series highlights that palm oil, when used as part of a balanced diet, contains beneficial compounds such as tocotrienols and carotenoids (in red palm oil), which are powerful antioxidants. Food science shows that palm oil is stable at high temperatures, resistant to oxidation, neutral in flavour, has a long shelf life, less chances of forming harmful compounds as compared to other vegetable oils, and is naturally trans-fat free and does not need to go through the process of partial hydrogenation. It also absorbs less oil into food, leading to crisp and evenly fried dishes. The Live Nagpur
Brazil votes to allow most projects & farms to skip environmental licensing
Brazil’s lawmakers have voted, by an overwhelming majority, to weaken the nation’s environmental licensing system, overturning key protections that Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had vetoed earlier this year.
Congress first passed the law, commonly called the “devastation bill” across national media outlets, in July 2025 despite widespread protests. In September, President Lula vetoed dozens of clauses in the bill to avoid the worst environmental setbacks.
In a Nov. 27 joint session on the General Environmental Licensing Law, Congress voted to overturn 56 of the 63 presential vetoes. The Chamber of Deputies voted 268-190 in favor of overriding the vetoes, while the Senate voted 50-18.
One of the impacts of the lawmakers’ vote is that businesses will no longer need to consider impacts on communities that haven’t completed their land titling process. Indigenous and Quilombola — descendants of enslaved people — communities will be heavily impacted.
The decision to overturn the vetoes has “cemented the institutionalization of environmental racism and deepened conflicts in traditional territories,” said Alice Dandara de Assis Correia, an attorney at the Brazilian nonprofit Socioenvironmental Institute (ISA).
“If this law stands, we will face high legal uncertainty and weaker social and environmental protections,” Correia added. According to ISA, 32.6% of all Indigenous territories and 80% of Quilombola communities would be excluded from impact studies, which until now were a prerequisite for environmental licensing.
Another overturned veto allows farms that have illegally deforested or grabbed land to operate and sell their products without an environmental license, according to the Climate Observatory, a Brazilian environmental watchdog organization.
Environmental licensing would also no longer be required for large infrastructure projects, such as paving the BR-319 highway across 885 kilometers (550 miles) of the Amazon, the Climate Observatory added. “In addition to being unconstitutional, [the law] puts the health and safety of Brazilians at risk, allows broad destruction of our ecosystems and violates the country’s climate goals,” the organization wrote in a statement.
In the coming days, Congress will vote on overturning the remaining seven presidential vetoes, including one of the most contentious clauses, which would allow an estimated 90% of medium-impact businesses to “self-license.” If overturned, companies will be able to automatically produce their own environmental licenses at the click of a button by filling out an online form.
Brazil’s Environment Minister Marina Silva has announced that the government is considering challenging the Congressional overrides in court.
“We cannot treat environmental laws like they exist to hinder development. There is no development without a stable climate,” she said during a Nov. 28 interview on state-owned TV. “It is unconstitutional to override Article 225 of the Federal Constitution, which says that all citizens have the right to a healthy environment.” Mongabay
--------
Smarter Palm Oil: How Technology Is Making the Supply Chain More Transparent in Pakistan
Pakistan relies heavily on imported palm oil to meet its edible oil needs. In the fiscal year 2024–25, Pakistan’s edible oil imports were projected at 3.8 million tonnes, with palm oil accounting for over 75% of this volume. Indonesia supplies the bulk of this demand—fueling everything from vanaspati ghee to snack foods and baked goods. But behind this essential commodity lies a complex and often opaque global supply chain—one increasingly under pressure to become cleaner, more accountable, and transparent.
As global regulations tighten and scrutiny grows—especially around deforestation and labor practices—transparency in the palm oil trade is no longer optional. And while Pakistan doesn’t produce palm oil, it’s deeply connected to this evolving system as a major importer. That means the technologies reshaping how palm oil is tracked—from plantation to port—matter more than ever for the country’s food security, trade stability, and international reputation.
Why Transparency Matters in Pakistan’s Palm Oil Supply
Palm oil’s affordability makes it vital to Pakistan’s economy, but that reliance also comes with risk. Any disruption in supply whether due to climate shocks, export bans, or sustainability crackdowns—hits fast and hard. Plus, international buyers are demanding more than just low prices; they want guarantees that the palm oil comes from ethical, traceable sources.
Pakistan is increasingly in the spotlight. Regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) don’t just affect producers, they ripple through to every buyer, especially those who can’t verify the origin of their shipments. Without transparency, Pakistan’s food and FMCG sectors face serious exposure ranging from blocked shipments to reputational damage.
Blockchain: From Plantation to Port
Blockchain is quickly becoming the backbone of traceable palm oil. It creates a tamper-proof digital record of every step in the supply chain—from where the oil palm was grown, to which mill processed it, to how it got shipped. In Malaysia and Indonesia, major exporters are already piloting blockchain-based tracking systems.
For Pakistani importers and refiners, this tech means more than just paperwork. It’s a way to prove their oil isn’t linked to deforestation or other violations. And with growing demand for RSPO-certified and NDPE-compliant (No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation) palm oil, being able to show blockchain-backed proof of origin is quickly becoming a competitive advantage.
Satellites Are Watching
Satellite imaging is another game-changer. High-resolution images, powered by AI, can detect illegal land clearing, identify plantation boundaries, and even assess the age of oil palms. Major buyers in the industry already use this tech to make sure their supply chains are deforestation-free.
Pakistani companies can tap into this too. With satellite data, importers don’t need to take supplier claims at face value—they can verify them. That’s a huge step toward reducing risk and aligning with international expectations.
Small Farmers, Big Impact
One of the hardest parts of traceability is the first mile: smallholder farmers. Many of them sell their crops through middlemen, with no digital trail. But mobile apps are starting to fill that gap.
These platforms allow farmers to log data—location, harvest dates, land size—straight from their phones. That info then feeds into broader traceability systems. For Pakistan, this means importers can trace their oil all the way back to individual farms, making it far easier to source responsibly and meet sustainability targets.
National Platforms and Digital Dashboards
Governments are getting in on the action too. Indonesia, for example, is building a national digital tracking platform for palm oil to help meet the EU’s import requirements. These kinds of systems make it easier for buyers—including those in Pakistan—to monitor compliance and source more confidently.
Refiners and importers in Pakistan can align with these platforms to get access to better data, more reliable suppliers, and fewer supply chain surprises. It’s not just about ethics—it’s about stability.
What This Means for Pakistan
For Pakistan’s palm oil industry, smarter supply chains are more than a trend—they’re a strategic necessity. Transparent sourcing means fewer risks, better deals, and stronger global partnerships. It protects businesses from reputational blowback, future-proofs export plans, and builds resilience in a volatile global market.
Of course, tech adoption comes with costs. Blockchain systems, satellite subscriptions, and mobile integration don’t come cheap. But the cost of doing nothing—getting cut off from regulated markets, losing supplier trust, or facing backlash from consumers, is far higher.
The real challenge is making sure everyone benefits, especially smallholders. If traceability tools are only accessible to big players, the system will never be fully reliable. Inclusion isn’t just fair, it’s smart business.
Looking Ahead
Pakistan’s role in the palm oil supply chain is evolving. It’s no longer enough to import at the lowest cost. With global rules changing fast, the smarter move is to embrace traceability now using blockchain, satellite data, and mobile tools to build a clearer, stronger, and more responsible supply chain.
Transparency isn’t just the future of palm oil—it’s the foundation of smarter trade. Pakistan has everything to gain by leading, not following. GAPKI
---------
Malaysia's Felda, FGV say Terengganu land spat could disrupt operations, impact national output
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Malaysia's Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) and its commercial arm FGV Holdings Berhad said on Tuesday they had been issued an order by Terengganu state to vacate palm oil plantation land there, warning it could impact operations and national output.
FGV, one of the world’s largest palm oil producers, in a joint statement with Felda said a notice had been issued to vacate and demolish building structures and destroy crops in Terengganu within three days, describing that as an extremely tight timeline.
The Terengganu state government could not be reached by Reuters and did not immediately respond to an email request for comment outside of business hours. No notices related to Felda and FGV were reported on the state government's website on Tuesday.
FGV was privatised in August and is now fully owned and controlled by Felda, a government agency. FGV has a total oil palm landbank of 324,563 hectares and its fresh fruit bunches production reached 3.97 million metric tons last year.
Local media outlet Berita Harian on Sunday reported a trespass notice had been issued to FGV and Felda to remove assets from 10 plantations covering 15,000 hectares in the state and that the notice stemmed from a protracted disagreement about profit-sharing. Reuters
--------
Indian nutritionist Sakshi Lalwani Debunks Myths on Palm Oil, Labels and Everyday Nutrition
Select Language
Powered by Google TranslateTranslate
Featured
Sakshi Lalwani Debunks Myths on Palm Oil, Labels and Everyday Nutrition
written by TLN Team December 3, 2025
With growing confusion around which cooking oils are truly healthy, the ongoing podcast series aims to help Indian households make informed, science-based choices. An episode that features nutritionist Sakshi Lalwani, who clarifies everyday concerns about cooking oil selection, label reading and safe cooking practices. The episodes blend relatable food conversations with evidence-led insights on fats, nutrition and the important role palm oil plays in Indian kitchens.
In the first Episode, Sakshi explains the basics of palm oil, a plant-based oil extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree. She breaks down how palm olein is naturally trans-fat free, stable at high temperatures, and contains Vitamin E tocotrienols and, the red palm oil contains beta-carotene, a source of provitamin A. She highlights palm oil’s balanced fatty acid mix (around 50% saturated, 40% monounsaturated and 10% polyunsaturated fats) and emphasizes that smart cooking habits, not the elimination of any one oil, are key to healthier meals.
In the next Episode, she unfolds the increasing appearance of “No Palm Oil” labels and explains how these tags are largely marketing-led, designed to create a perception of being healthier without reflecting true nutritional value. She advises listeners to look beyond front labels, check the ingredients list, and understand what oils are used as a replacement when palm oil is removed.
What Science Says About Palm Oil
The series highlights that palm oil, when used as part of a balanced diet, contains beneficial compounds such as tocotrienols and carotenoids (in red palm oil), which are powerful antioxidants. Food science shows that palm oil is stable at high temperatures, resistant to oxidation, neutral in flavour, has a long shelf life, less chances of forming harmful compounds as compared to other vegetable oils, and is naturally trans-fat free and does not need to go through the process of partial hydrogenation. It also absorbs less oil into food, leading to crisp and evenly fried dishes. The Live Nagpur
December 02, 2025
Indonesian Palm Oil Export Up Over 25% to $20.2 Billion
Jakarta. Indonesia registered a double-digit growth in its palm oil exports as of October, enabling the resource-rich economy to enjoy 66 months of being in the black, according to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS).
The agency data showed that Indonesia exported about $20.2 billion of palm oil, be it crude or processed, between January and October 2025. Palm oil -- which is pivotal in food manufacturing and beauty products -- made up 9.05 percent of Jakarta’s non-oil and gas exports that period.
“Our export of CPO [crude palm oil] and its derivatives jumped 25.73 percent as of October, value-wise compared to 2024,” Pudji Ismartini, a deputy at BPS, told a press briefing on Monday.
Southeast Asia’s biggest economy also enjoyed a price advantage as palm oil prices rose 0.80 percent month-month on global markets in October, reaching $1,045.04 per metric ton.
From a volume standpoint, the 2025 January-October palm oil exports totaled 19.49 million tons, up 7.83 percent versus 2024 levels. The country sold 18.08 million tons to foreign markets in the first ten months of last year. Palm oil exports stood at 1.91 milion tons in October alone.
BPS did not disclose the top buyers, although the commodity had been key to Jakarta's trade relations with India.
Indonesia’s non-oil and gas exports to India hit $15.32 billion so far this year as of October. Some $1.38 billion of those exports were goods categorized as animal fat/vegetable oil. This export category includes palm oil, which often sees soaring demand in New Delhi during the festival season as people consume more sweets and fried foods.
Animal fat/vegetable oils added a $28.12 billion surplus to Indonesia’s trade balance. Jakarta Globe
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Power struggle over Indonesian nickel and palm oil
JAKARTA: Indonesia is reluctant to join a European Union (EU) push to use a stopgap appeal mechanism to resolve their World Trade Organisation (WTO) disputes, a standoff experts say reflects a broader power struggle over nickel and palm oil amid an impaired WTO dispute settlement mechanism.
The disputes concerned EU import duties imposed on Indonesian biodiesel and stainless steel that a WTO panel ruled inconsistent with global trade rules.
Both cases are now in limbo, as the rulings in favour of Indonesia cannot be enforced due to the bloc’s appeal.
Edi Prio Pambudi, undersecretary for coordination of international economic cooperation at the Office of the Coordinating Economy Minister, said Indonesia was not inclined to participate in the multi-party interim appeal arbitration arrangement (MPIA), stressing that the country preferred to follow the trade body’s established mechanisms.
“We are a member of the WTO. Even if we are invited, it is not certain we will join. We must first examine what the issue entails and consider its consequences,” Edi told reporters last Thursday.
Edi added that Indonesia remained committed to multilateral rules and had, like many members, sought answers from the United States over its long-running block on new WTO adjudicators, a move that had hobbled the system since 2019.
With no functioning appeals bench, disputes can be stalled though a tactic that has become known as “appealing into the void”, leaving WTO panel rulings unenforceable. In 2020, the EU, China, Japan and dozens of other WTO members created and joined the MPIA as an alternative arrangement to adjudicate appeals of WTO panel rulings. The StarMY
--------
Indigenous Dayak sound alarm as palm oil firm razes orangutan habitat in Indonesian Borneo
The company, PT Equator Sumber Rezeki (ESR), is a subsidiary of the Jakarta-based First Borneo Group, owned by Indonesian tycoon Alexander Thaslim. It has cleared nearly 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres) of rainforest since it began operating last year in Kapuas Hulu, a landlocked district deep in Indonesia’s West Kalimantan province on the island of Borneo, near the border with Malaysia.
ESR’s 15,000-hectare (37,000-acre) oil palm plantation concession overlaps with part of the Labian–Leboyan watershed, a wildlife corridor connecting Betung Kerihun and Danau Sentarum national parks — two of the last strongholds for the critically endangered Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus).
Conservationists estimate that as much as 80% of the concession area contains rainforest deemed of high conservation value, making it especially vital to protect. Orangutans inhabit about a quarter of the concession, according to a government-backed study from 2016. Mongabay
--------
Global rapeseed area set to rise as Asia drives expansion, says IGC
The International Grains Council (IGC) expects the world’s rapeseed area to edge up to 44.1 million hectares in its latest outlook, a modest increase of 0.2 million hectares on the current 2025/26 season. While major exporters are set for a slight contraction, growth across other regions—most notably Asia—is forecast to more than offset the decline.
Across the EU-27, the rapeseed area is projected to hold steady at 6.1 million hectares. A bumper 2025 harvest in south-eastern member states, particularly Romania, could spur further planting, even as growers elsewhere trim back their sown area.
Russia’s rapeseed footprint is also expected to remain unchanged at 3.0 million hectares after a year of strong expansion. Conversely, new research from Agrarmarkt Informations-Gesellschaft (mbH) indicates Ukraine’s plantings will shrink by around 100,000 hectares to 1.3 million hectares. Despite this, the combined area across the Commonwealth of Independent States is set to reach its second-highest level on record, highlighting rapeseed’s rising strategic significance.
Outlooks for top exporters Canada and Australia remain less certain, with sowing still months away. Canada’s planted area is forecast to hover near its long-term average at 8.7 million hectares, supported by expectations of firm global demand. Australia is likewise set to keep its rapeseed area stable year-on-year at around 3.4 million hectares. Biofuels News
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America’s Most Popular Cooking Oil Linked to Obesity in New Study
A new study has found that soybean oil contributed to obesity in mice, prompting concern that the United States' most popular cooking oil could be playing a role in the country's obesity problem.
The University of California, Riverside study, published in the Journal of Lipid Research in October, investigated how mice metabolized linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid widely present in soybean oil, by feeding them a high-fat diet based on the common cooking oil.
While the study was conducted on mice, Frances Sladek, a UCR professor of cell biology and author of the study, told Newsweek that the findings "were translatable to humans as the pathways we found involved in soybean oil-induced obesity are highly conserved between mouse and human."
Why It Matters
Soybean oil is by far the most widely used cooking oil in the country, with rapeseed oil second and palm oil third, according to data from Statista. Soybean oil is also made up of more than 50 percent linoleic acid, Sladek said.
The finding raises notable concern, not only because of the oil's popularity, but also because of America's high obesity rates—one in five children and two in five adults are obese in the U.S., meaning they have a Body Mass Index (BMI) higher than 30.
Obesity is known to be associated with higher risks of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease and strokes.
The American diet has also been called into question by studies previously, as last year a study found that the majority of Americans ate a diet that promoted inflammation, increasing the risk of diseases such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, depression and certain cancers.
What To Know
The study specifically examined the effects of molecules called oxylipins on mice. These molecules are what linoleic acid is broken down into in the body, and so the higher the consumption of the acid, the higher the amount of these molecules will be in the body.
While other fatty acids also break down into oxylipins, the oxylipins derived from linoleic acid were the ones the authors found contributed to obesity in mice.
The finding is not new; the researchers noted this result in a previous study. What they did differently in this study was test the impact of a diet high in soybean oil in a group of male mice genetically engineered to express a different version of a liver regulatory gene, P2-HNF4α.
This meant they had different metabolic pathways from the control group, as the genetic change reduced the activity of enzymes that convert linoleic acid into oxylipins.
The researchers found that the modified mice had healthier livers and gained less weight than the control group on the same diet, further supporting the idea that oxylipins contribute to obesity.
“This may be the first step toward understanding why some people gain weight more easily than others on a diet high in soybean oil,” said Sonia Deol, a UCR biomedical scientist and another author of the study.
Although the researchers also note that the genetically modified mice had elevated oxylipins on a low-fat diet without becoming obese, suggesting that other metabolic factors are at play.
Sladek said that they found that "it is the levels of the oxylipins present in the liver, not circulating in the blood, that correlate with obesity."
How Much Soybean Oil Do Americans Actually Consume?
Consuming a small amount of linoleic acid is actually required for human health and is part of a healthy diet; however, the researchers noted that America has had a "remarkable increase" in its consumption of the oil over the past 50 years.
The required amount of linoleic acid for health is around 1 to 2 percent of a person's calorific intake, the study authors noted, as small amounts play an important role in maintaining good health.
Most Americans broadly have a much higher intake of linoleic acid at around 15 to 25 percent of their calorific intake, the study authors said.
Sladek said that consuming small amounts of soybean oil is "perfectly safe and provides a good source of the essential fatty acid linoleic acid."
He said that the problem is that "processed foods are becoming an ever larger part of our diet and many of those foods have soybean oil in them, or they have corn oil, safflower seed oil, sunflower seed oil — all these seed oils are made up of large amounts of linoleic acid, just like soybean oil."
"So in general, we are taking in much more of these seed oils, all of which have high levels of linoleic acid, than our body needs," he added.
What Does Soybean Oil Do to Your Body?
It is not clear from the study how these findings would translate to the human body, and further research is needed to determine the impact of soybean oil on human health. Newsweek
--------
Nutritionist Leema Mahajan Clears Myths on Palm Oil and Misleading Labels with Science-Backed Facts
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Amid rising consumer confusion around edible oils and growing online misinformation, the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) has launched a new six-part podcast series, aimed at helping Indian households make informed, science-backed choices. The series builds on MPOC’s earlier digital initiatives that reached millions of Indian consumers by simplifying the nutrition, science and sustainability behind Malaysian palm oil.
The first two podcast episodes in the series feature nutrition expert and creator Leema Mahajan as the guest. The podcast blends relatable kitchen conversations with evidence-based insights on health, dietary fats, sustainability, and misleading marketing labels. Each episode breaks down widely circulated myths and offers listeners clear, practical takeaways for everyday cooking.
Episode Highlights
In the first Episode, Leema simplifies the big question, which oil is truly healthy? by stressing balance, and smart cooking habits over eliminating any single oil. She briefly touches on palm oil’s science-backed benefits and the importance of rotating oils at home. In the next Episode, she breaks down the rising “No Palm Oil” labels, explaining why they’re often fear-driven and misleading. She urges viewers to look beyond front packet claims and understand what truly makes a product healthy.
What Science Says About Palm Oil
The series integrates current research showing that palm oil is rich in tocotrienols and carotenoids (in red palm oil), compounds recognised for their antioxidant and potential cardiometabolic benefits. Palm oil is naturally cholesterol-free, as cholesterol is found only in animal-based fats. When consumed as part of a balanced diet, palm oil has a neutral impact on blood cholesterol levels.
Aligned With ICMR Dietary Guidelines
The podcast reiterates the ICMR–NIN Dietary Guidelines (2024), which recommend limiting visible fats to 25–30 g per person per day and rotating multiple plant-based oils to maintain a balanced fatty acid profile. In this context, palm oil is positioned as one of several healthy options suitable for Indian cooking patterns.
Supporting India’s Edible Oil Goals: NMEO–OP
The series also contextualises palm oil within India’s broader edible oil landscape. Under the Government of India’s National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO–OP), states across the country are expanding oil palm cultivation to strengthen domestic availability and reduce reliance on imports. Malaysian expertise continues to support this growth across multiple regions.
Addressing Misleading ‘No Palm Oil’ Labels
Responding to growing market confusion, the podcast reinforces recent statements by industry bodies such as IFBA and OTAI, which have labelled “No Palm Oil” tags as misleading marketing tactics rather than evidence-based health claims. The series urges consumers to prioritise overall nutrition, moderation and credible science over fear-based messaging.
Through scientific facts MPOC aims to bring clarity, context and accuracy to empower consumers to make informed and balanced choices.
About the Series
This is a six-episode podcast series by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) designed to address misinformation and share scientific facts about palm oil in a simple, relatable way.
Each episode brings expert voices and everyday perspectives to topics like nutrition, health, and sustainability helping listeners replace myths with understanding. With these conversations, MPOC hopes to encourage balanced, fact-based discussions and highlight palm oil’s rightful place as a versatile, nutritious, and sustainably produced edible oil. Newsvoir
Indonesian Palm Oil Export Up Over 25% to $20.2 Billion
Jakarta. Indonesia registered a double-digit growth in its palm oil exports as of October, enabling the resource-rich economy to enjoy 66 months of being in the black, according to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS).
The agency data showed that Indonesia exported about $20.2 billion of palm oil, be it crude or processed, between January and October 2025. Palm oil -- which is pivotal in food manufacturing and beauty products -- made up 9.05 percent of Jakarta’s non-oil and gas exports that period.
“Our export of CPO [crude palm oil] and its derivatives jumped 25.73 percent as of October, value-wise compared to 2024,” Pudji Ismartini, a deputy at BPS, told a press briefing on Monday.
Southeast Asia’s biggest economy also enjoyed a price advantage as palm oil prices rose 0.80 percent month-month on global markets in October, reaching $1,045.04 per metric ton.
From a volume standpoint, the 2025 January-October palm oil exports totaled 19.49 million tons, up 7.83 percent versus 2024 levels. The country sold 18.08 million tons to foreign markets in the first ten months of last year. Palm oil exports stood at 1.91 milion tons in October alone.
BPS did not disclose the top buyers, although the commodity had been key to Jakarta's trade relations with India.
Indonesia’s non-oil and gas exports to India hit $15.32 billion so far this year as of October. Some $1.38 billion of those exports were goods categorized as animal fat/vegetable oil. This export category includes palm oil, which often sees soaring demand in New Delhi during the festival season as people consume more sweets and fried foods.
Animal fat/vegetable oils added a $28.12 billion surplus to Indonesia’s trade balance. Jakarta Globe
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Power struggle over Indonesian nickel and palm oil
JAKARTA: Indonesia is reluctant to join a European Union (EU) push to use a stopgap appeal mechanism to resolve their World Trade Organisation (WTO) disputes, a standoff experts say reflects a broader power struggle over nickel and palm oil amid an impaired WTO dispute settlement mechanism.
The disputes concerned EU import duties imposed on Indonesian biodiesel and stainless steel that a WTO panel ruled inconsistent with global trade rules.
Both cases are now in limbo, as the rulings in favour of Indonesia cannot be enforced due to the bloc’s appeal.
Edi Prio Pambudi, undersecretary for coordination of international economic cooperation at the Office of the Coordinating Economy Minister, said Indonesia was not inclined to participate in the multi-party interim appeal arbitration arrangement (MPIA), stressing that the country preferred to follow the trade body’s established mechanisms.
“We are a member of the WTO. Even if we are invited, it is not certain we will join. We must first examine what the issue entails and consider its consequences,” Edi told reporters last Thursday.
Edi added that Indonesia remained committed to multilateral rules and had, like many members, sought answers from the United States over its long-running block on new WTO adjudicators, a move that had hobbled the system since 2019.
With no functioning appeals bench, disputes can be stalled though a tactic that has become known as “appealing into the void”, leaving WTO panel rulings unenforceable. In 2020, the EU, China, Japan and dozens of other WTO members created and joined the MPIA as an alternative arrangement to adjudicate appeals of WTO panel rulings. The StarMY
--------
Indigenous Dayak sound alarm as palm oil firm razes orangutan habitat in Indonesian Borneo
- Indigenous Dayak communities report wildlife encroaching into villages, land grabbing, and loss of cultural and livelihood resources as a palm oil company begins clearing forests on their customary lands — in some cases without consent or even prior notification.
- PT Equator Sumber Rezeki (ESR) has already cleared nearly 1,500 hectares (3,700 hectares) of rainforest inside this region that’s designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and orangutan habitat, with much of the deforestation occurring this year and signaling far more destruction to come.
- The company’s parent group, First Borneo, is driving widespread deforestation across Kapuas Hulu with two other plantations, yet its palm fruit is still entering global “zero-deforestation” supply chains through intermediary mills despite corporate no-buy pledges.
- Environmental groups are urging the government to halt or revoke ESR’s permits and protect the orangutan-rich landscape, warning that continued clearing undermines Indonesia’s climate commitments and threatens both biodiversity and cultural survival.
The company, PT Equator Sumber Rezeki (ESR), is a subsidiary of the Jakarta-based First Borneo Group, owned by Indonesian tycoon Alexander Thaslim. It has cleared nearly 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres) of rainforest since it began operating last year in Kapuas Hulu, a landlocked district deep in Indonesia’s West Kalimantan province on the island of Borneo, near the border with Malaysia.
ESR’s 15,000-hectare (37,000-acre) oil palm plantation concession overlaps with part of the Labian–Leboyan watershed, a wildlife corridor connecting Betung Kerihun and Danau Sentarum national parks — two of the last strongholds for the critically endangered Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus).
Conservationists estimate that as much as 80% of the concession area contains rainforest deemed of high conservation value, making it especially vital to protect. Orangutans inhabit about a quarter of the concession, according to a government-backed study from 2016. Mongabay
--------
Global rapeseed area set to rise as Asia drives expansion, says IGC
The International Grains Council (IGC) expects the world’s rapeseed area to edge up to 44.1 million hectares in its latest outlook, a modest increase of 0.2 million hectares on the current 2025/26 season. While major exporters are set for a slight contraction, growth across other regions—most notably Asia—is forecast to more than offset the decline.
Across the EU-27, the rapeseed area is projected to hold steady at 6.1 million hectares. A bumper 2025 harvest in south-eastern member states, particularly Romania, could spur further planting, even as growers elsewhere trim back their sown area.
Russia’s rapeseed footprint is also expected to remain unchanged at 3.0 million hectares after a year of strong expansion. Conversely, new research from Agrarmarkt Informations-Gesellschaft (mbH) indicates Ukraine’s plantings will shrink by around 100,000 hectares to 1.3 million hectares. Despite this, the combined area across the Commonwealth of Independent States is set to reach its second-highest level on record, highlighting rapeseed’s rising strategic significance.
Outlooks for top exporters Canada and Australia remain less certain, with sowing still months away. Canada’s planted area is forecast to hover near its long-term average at 8.7 million hectares, supported by expectations of firm global demand. Australia is likewise set to keep its rapeseed area stable year-on-year at around 3.4 million hectares. Biofuels News
--------
America’s Most Popular Cooking Oil Linked to Obesity in New Study
A new study has found that soybean oil contributed to obesity in mice, prompting concern that the United States' most popular cooking oil could be playing a role in the country's obesity problem.
The University of California, Riverside study, published in the Journal of Lipid Research in October, investigated how mice metabolized linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid widely present in soybean oil, by feeding them a high-fat diet based on the common cooking oil.
While the study was conducted on mice, Frances Sladek, a UCR professor of cell biology and author of the study, told Newsweek that the findings "were translatable to humans as the pathways we found involved in soybean oil-induced obesity are highly conserved between mouse and human."
Why It Matters
Soybean oil is by far the most widely used cooking oil in the country, with rapeseed oil second and palm oil third, according to data from Statista. Soybean oil is also made up of more than 50 percent linoleic acid, Sladek said.
The finding raises notable concern, not only because of the oil's popularity, but also because of America's high obesity rates—one in five children and two in five adults are obese in the U.S., meaning they have a Body Mass Index (BMI) higher than 30.
Obesity is known to be associated with higher risks of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease and strokes.
The American diet has also been called into question by studies previously, as last year a study found that the majority of Americans ate a diet that promoted inflammation, increasing the risk of diseases such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, depression and certain cancers.
What To Know
The study specifically examined the effects of molecules called oxylipins on mice. These molecules are what linoleic acid is broken down into in the body, and so the higher the consumption of the acid, the higher the amount of these molecules will be in the body.
While other fatty acids also break down into oxylipins, the oxylipins derived from linoleic acid were the ones the authors found contributed to obesity in mice.
The finding is not new; the researchers noted this result in a previous study. What they did differently in this study was test the impact of a diet high in soybean oil in a group of male mice genetically engineered to express a different version of a liver regulatory gene, P2-HNF4α.
This meant they had different metabolic pathways from the control group, as the genetic change reduced the activity of enzymes that convert linoleic acid into oxylipins.
The researchers found that the modified mice had healthier livers and gained less weight than the control group on the same diet, further supporting the idea that oxylipins contribute to obesity.
“This may be the first step toward understanding why some people gain weight more easily than others on a diet high in soybean oil,” said Sonia Deol, a UCR biomedical scientist and another author of the study.
Although the researchers also note that the genetically modified mice had elevated oxylipins on a low-fat diet without becoming obese, suggesting that other metabolic factors are at play.
Sladek said that they found that "it is the levels of the oxylipins present in the liver, not circulating in the blood, that correlate with obesity."
How Much Soybean Oil Do Americans Actually Consume?
Consuming a small amount of linoleic acid is actually required for human health and is part of a healthy diet; however, the researchers noted that America has had a "remarkable increase" in its consumption of the oil over the past 50 years.
The required amount of linoleic acid for health is around 1 to 2 percent of a person's calorific intake, the study authors noted, as small amounts play an important role in maintaining good health.
Most Americans broadly have a much higher intake of linoleic acid at around 15 to 25 percent of their calorific intake, the study authors said.
Sladek said that consuming small amounts of soybean oil is "perfectly safe and provides a good source of the essential fatty acid linoleic acid."
He said that the problem is that "processed foods are becoming an ever larger part of our diet and many of those foods have soybean oil in them, or they have corn oil, safflower seed oil, sunflower seed oil — all these seed oils are made up of large amounts of linoleic acid, just like soybean oil."
"So in general, we are taking in much more of these seed oils, all of which have high levels of linoleic acid, than our body needs," he added.
What Does Soybean Oil Do to Your Body?
It is not clear from the study how these findings would translate to the human body, and further research is needed to determine the impact of soybean oil on human health. Newsweek
--------
Nutritionist Leema Mahajan Clears Myths on Palm Oil and Misleading Labels with Science-Backed Facts
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Amid rising consumer confusion around edible oils and growing online misinformation, the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) has launched a new six-part podcast series, aimed at helping Indian households make informed, science-backed choices. The series builds on MPOC’s earlier digital initiatives that reached millions of Indian consumers by simplifying the nutrition, science and sustainability behind Malaysian palm oil.
The first two podcast episodes in the series feature nutrition expert and creator Leema Mahajan as the guest. The podcast blends relatable kitchen conversations with evidence-based insights on health, dietary fats, sustainability, and misleading marketing labels. Each episode breaks down widely circulated myths and offers listeners clear, practical takeaways for everyday cooking.
Episode Highlights
In the first Episode, Leema simplifies the big question, which oil is truly healthy? by stressing balance, and smart cooking habits over eliminating any single oil. She briefly touches on palm oil’s science-backed benefits and the importance of rotating oils at home. In the next Episode, she breaks down the rising “No Palm Oil” labels, explaining why they’re often fear-driven and misleading. She urges viewers to look beyond front packet claims and understand what truly makes a product healthy.
What Science Says About Palm Oil
The series integrates current research showing that palm oil is rich in tocotrienols and carotenoids (in red palm oil), compounds recognised for their antioxidant and potential cardiometabolic benefits. Palm oil is naturally cholesterol-free, as cholesterol is found only in animal-based fats. When consumed as part of a balanced diet, palm oil has a neutral impact on blood cholesterol levels.
Aligned With ICMR Dietary Guidelines
The podcast reiterates the ICMR–NIN Dietary Guidelines (2024), which recommend limiting visible fats to 25–30 g per person per day and rotating multiple plant-based oils to maintain a balanced fatty acid profile. In this context, palm oil is positioned as one of several healthy options suitable for Indian cooking patterns.
Supporting India’s Edible Oil Goals: NMEO–OP
The series also contextualises palm oil within India’s broader edible oil landscape. Under the Government of India’s National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO–OP), states across the country are expanding oil palm cultivation to strengthen domestic availability and reduce reliance on imports. Malaysian expertise continues to support this growth across multiple regions.
Addressing Misleading ‘No Palm Oil’ Labels
Responding to growing market confusion, the podcast reinforces recent statements by industry bodies such as IFBA and OTAI, which have labelled “No Palm Oil” tags as misleading marketing tactics rather than evidence-based health claims. The series urges consumers to prioritise overall nutrition, moderation and credible science over fear-based messaging.
Through scientific facts MPOC aims to bring clarity, context and accuracy to empower consumers to make informed and balanced choices.
About the Series
This is a six-episode podcast series by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) designed to address misinformation and share scientific facts about palm oil in a simple, relatable way.
Each episode brings expert voices and everyday perspectives to topics like nutrition, health, and sustainability helping listeners replace myths with understanding. With these conversations, MPOC hopes to encourage balanced, fact-based discussions and highlight palm oil’s rightful place as a versatile, nutritious, and sustainably produced edible oil. Newsvoir
December 01, 2025
Sustainable Palm Oil Market Growth and Restrain Factors Analysis Report
InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the "Global Sustainable Palm Oil Market - (By Type (Kernel Oil, Red Palm Oil, White Palm Oil, Fractional Palm Oil), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By End-User (Food, Cosmetics, Bakery Products, Margarine, Pet Food, Ice Cream, Soap And Detergents, Confectionery Products)), Trends, Industry Competition Analysis, Revenue and Forecast To 2031."
According to the latest research by InsightAce Analytic, the Global Sustainable Palm Oil Market is valued at US$ 1.05 Bn in 2023, and it is expected to reach US$ 1.52 Bn by 2031, with a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period of 2024-2031.
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https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/request-sample/2588
Palm oil is a widely utilized vegetable oil derived from the oil palm tree, found in numerous food and non-food products. However, traditional production methods have come under scrutiny for contributing to environmental issues such as deforestation and habitat destruction. This has led to the emergence and growth of the sustainable palm oil market, which emphasizes responsible production practices that minimize environmental impact and support local communities.
The market's expansion is largely driven by increasing awareness of these challenges. Certification programs, such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), play a key role in promoting sustainable practices within the industry. As consumer demand for ethically sourced products rises, food companies are increasingly adopting sustainable palm oil sourcing practices. This growing commitment to responsible sourcing is further fueling market growth. Continued collaboration among all stakeholders remains critical for advancing the global sustainable palm oil market.
List of Prominent Players in the Sustainable Palm Oil Market:
• Sime Darby Berhad
• Hap Seng Plantation Holdings Berhad
• Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad
• IOI Corporation Berhad
• Wilmar International Ltd
• Cargill, Incorporated.
• SIPEF NV
• Kulim Berhad
• New Britain Palm Oil Ltd
• Golden Agri-Resources Ltd.
• Archer Daniels Midland
• Univanich Palm Oil Public Company Ltd.
Market Dynamics:
Drivers-
The sustainable palm oil market is driven by several key factors, including consumer awareness, corporate initiatives, and government regulations. Growing consumer awareness regarding the environmental and social impacts of conventional palm oil production has led to a heightened demand for responsibly sourced palm oil. Additionally, the market is supported by increasing consumer preference for environmentally friendly products, stricter regulatory frameworks, and greater corporate commitment to sustainability.
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Challenges:
sustainable palm oil production include the significant costs and time involved in obtaining certification for sustainable practices. Smaller businesses, in particular, may find these costs prohibitive, potentially limiting their participation in the sustainable market. Furthermore, the complex interplay of environmental, social, and economic factors in palm oil production creates ongoing challenges. Despite efforts to promote sustainability, habitat destruction and deforestation continue in some regions due to illegal logging and the expansion of palm oil plantations. This results in reduced biodiversity and increased carbon emissions, undermining efforts to create a sustainable palm oil supply chain.
Regional Trends:
The demand for sustainable palm oil is growing as consumers, food manufacturers, and retailers increasingly seek products sourced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Concerns over deforestation, biodiversity loss, and human rights issues associated with conventional palm oil production are driving this shift.
Certification programs like RSPO play an important role in promoting responsible practices within the industry. Stakeholders across the supply chain are working together to increase the availability of sustainable palm oil to meet consumer expectations and support conservation efforts. The Asia Pacific region is expected to retain a significant market share in the sustainable palm oil industry, driven by the adoption of innovative strategies by key industry players.
Recent Developments:
• In Sept 2023, Sime Darby Plantation Bhd and India's Godrej Agrovet Ltd (GAVL) formed a partnership to work together on the supply of oil palm seeds and agricultural innovation. Sime Darby Plantation supplied oil palm seeds to GAVL's commercial unit and constructed a cutting-edge seed production plant in India as a component of the collaboration. The integrated plantation conglomerate had intended to supply India with 1.3 million germinated seeds in 2024, obtained from its operations in three countries, specifically Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. Open PR
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Indonesia Palm Oil Association strengthens US and European partnerships to boost sustainable practices
In the Netherlands, Food Ingredients reported that the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) has signed six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with partner organizations across the US and Europe as part of its ongoing campaign for Indonesian palm oil.
GAPKI represents Indonesia’s palm oil producers, who account for approximately 60% of global palm oil production. The association continues to engage with stakeholders worldwide to advance sustainable practices and promote fact-based dialogue on the palm oil sector, according to the report.
The six MoUs signed during the visit establish frameworks for cooperation spanning trade facilitation, sustainability initiatives, knowledge sharing, and technical capacity building. The agreements represent a significant expansion of GAPKI’s international footprint and reflect growing interest among global partners in engaging constructively with Indonesian palm oil producers, the report added. Biofuels Digest/ Food Ingredients First
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Africa’s new palm oil frontier: PHC positions DRC for growth and invites Malaysian collaboration
When conversations arise about the future of the global palm oil industry, attention has long remained centred on Malaysia and Indonesia. But quietly and strategically, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is emerging as the next major frontier — and no company embodies this momentum more than Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC).
In an industry long dominated by Southeast Asian giants, PHC is rewriting the narrative and at its helm is a rare figure — CEO Monique Gieskes, a dynamic woman leader in agribusiness, since February 2021.
Under her stewardship, PHC is positioning DRC as Africa’s new frontier for the global palm oil industry, and is actively inviting Malaysian industry players to participate in building the continent’s next palm oil powerhouse.
CPOPC accession: A strategic gateway for expansion
The accession of DRC to the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) in 2025 was a pivotal point in the company’s growth path — a milestone heavily facilitated by PHC.
This membership does more than just place the DRC on the global palm oil map. It aligns the country with internationally recognised standards.
According to Gieskes, the development signals a new phase of industry maturity. “CPOPC’s membership is transformative for us. The membership is more than an endorsement. It is a gateway,” she explains. “It gives the DRC access to structured technical support, knowledge transfer and global cooperation. It is essential for modernising our sector, attracting international partners and building a sustainable future.”
CPOPC membership provides a recognised policy and governance framework that strengthens the DRC’s credibility, signals regulatory stability and enhances investor confidence, particularly for Malaysian partners familiar with CPOPC’s standards and mechanisms. The accession also creates a direct institutional bridge for collaboration in breeding, agronomy, technology exchange and sustainability, aligning the DRC with the same global structures that have shaped Malaysia’s leadership in the palm oil sector. The Edge
CSPO Watch Palm oil news December 2025
Sustainable Palm Oil Market Growth and Restrain Factors Analysis Report
InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the "Global Sustainable Palm Oil Market - (By Type (Kernel Oil, Red Palm Oil, White Palm Oil, Fractional Palm Oil), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By End-User (Food, Cosmetics, Bakery Products, Margarine, Pet Food, Ice Cream, Soap And Detergents, Confectionery Products)), Trends, Industry Competition Analysis, Revenue and Forecast To 2031."
According to the latest research by InsightAce Analytic, the Global Sustainable Palm Oil Market is valued at US$ 1.05 Bn in 2023, and it is expected to reach US$ 1.52 Bn by 2031, with a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period of 2024-2031.
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Palm oil is a widely utilized vegetable oil derived from the oil palm tree, found in numerous food and non-food products. However, traditional production methods have come under scrutiny for contributing to environmental issues such as deforestation and habitat destruction. This has led to the emergence and growth of the sustainable palm oil market, which emphasizes responsible production practices that minimize environmental impact and support local communities.
The market's expansion is largely driven by increasing awareness of these challenges. Certification programs, such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), play a key role in promoting sustainable practices within the industry. As consumer demand for ethically sourced products rises, food companies are increasingly adopting sustainable palm oil sourcing practices. This growing commitment to responsible sourcing is further fueling market growth. Continued collaboration among all stakeholders remains critical for advancing the global sustainable palm oil market.
List of Prominent Players in the Sustainable Palm Oil Market:
• Sime Darby Berhad
• Hap Seng Plantation Holdings Berhad
• Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad
• IOI Corporation Berhad
• Wilmar International Ltd
• Cargill, Incorporated.
• SIPEF NV
• Kulim Berhad
• New Britain Palm Oil Ltd
• Golden Agri-Resources Ltd.
• Archer Daniels Midland
• Univanich Palm Oil Public Company Ltd.
Market Dynamics:
Drivers-
The sustainable palm oil market is driven by several key factors, including consumer awareness, corporate initiatives, and government regulations. Growing consumer awareness regarding the environmental and social impacts of conventional palm oil production has led to a heightened demand for responsibly sourced palm oil. Additionally, the market is supported by increasing consumer preference for environmentally friendly products, stricter regulatory frameworks, and greater corporate commitment to sustainability.
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Challenges:
sustainable palm oil production include the significant costs and time involved in obtaining certification for sustainable practices. Smaller businesses, in particular, may find these costs prohibitive, potentially limiting their participation in the sustainable market. Furthermore, the complex interplay of environmental, social, and economic factors in palm oil production creates ongoing challenges. Despite efforts to promote sustainability, habitat destruction and deforestation continue in some regions due to illegal logging and the expansion of palm oil plantations. This results in reduced biodiversity and increased carbon emissions, undermining efforts to create a sustainable palm oil supply chain.
Regional Trends:
The demand for sustainable palm oil is growing as consumers, food manufacturers, and retailers increasingly seek products sourced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Concerns over deforestation, biodiversity loss, and human rights issues associated with conventional palm oil production are driving this shift.
Certification programs like RSPO play an important role in promoting responsible practices within the industry. Stakeholders across the supply chain are working together to increase the availability of sustainable palm oil to meet consumer expectations and support conservation efforts. The Asia Pacific region is expected to retain a significant market share in the sustainable palm oil industry, driven by the adoption of innovative strategies by key industry players.
Recent Developments:
• In Sept 2023, Sime Darby Plantation Bhd and India's Godrej Agrovet Ltd (GAVL) formed a partnership to work together on the supply of oil palm seeds and agricultural innovation. Sime Darby Plantation supplied oil palm seeds to GAVL's commercial unit and constructed a cutting-edge seed production plant in India as a component of the collaboration. The integrated plantation conglomerate had intended to supply India with 1.3 million germinated seeds in 2024, obtained from its operations in three countries, specifically Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. Open PR
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Indonesia Palm Oil Association strengthens US and European partnerships to boost sustainable practices
In the Netherlands, Food Ingredients reported that the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) has signed six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with partner organizations across the US and Europe as part of its ongoing campaign for Indonesian palm oil.
GAPKI represents Indonesia’s palm oil producers, who account for approximately 60% of global palm oil production. The association continues to engage with stakeholders worldwide to advance sustainable practices and promote fact-based dialogue on the palm oil sector, according to the report.
The six MoUs signed during the visit establish frameworks for cooperation spanning trade facilitation, sustainability initiatives, knowledge sharing, and technical capacity building. The agreements represent a significant expansion of GAPKI’s international footprint and reflect growing interest among global partners in engaging constructively with Indonesian palm oil producers, the report added. Biofuels Digest/ Food Ingredients First
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Africa’s new palm oil frontier: PHC positions DRC for growth and invites Malaysian collaboration
When conversations arise about the future of the global palm oil industry, attention has long remained centred on Malaysia and Indonesia. But quietly and strategically, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is emerging as the next major frontier — and no company embodies this momentum more than Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC).
In an industry long dominated by Southeast Asian giants, PHC is rewriting the narrative and at its helm is a rare figure — CEO Monique Gieskes, a dynamic woman leader in agribusiness, since February 2021.
Under her stewardship, PHC is positioning DRC as Africa’s new frontier for the global palm oil industry, and is actively inviting Malaysian industry players to participate in building the continent’s next palm oil powerhouse.
CPOPC accession: A strategic gateway for expansion
The accession of DRC to the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) in 2025 was a pivotal point in the company’s growth path — a milestone heavily facilitated by PHC.
This membership does more than just place the DRC on the global palm oil map. It aligns the country with internationally recognised standards.
According to Gieskes, the development signals a new phase of industry maturity. “CPOPC’s membership is transformative for us. The membership is more than an endorsement. It is a gateway,” she explains. “It gives the DRC access to structured technical support, knowledge transfer and global cooperation. It is essential for modernising our sector, attracting international partners and building a sustainable future.”
CPOPC membership provides a recognised policy and governance framework that strengthens the DRC’s credibility, signals regulatory stability and enhances investor confidence, particularly for Malaysian partners familiar with CPOPC’s standards and mechanisms. The accession also creates a direct institutional bridge for collaboration in breeding, agronomy, technology exchange and sustainability, aligning the DRC with the same global structures that have shaped Malaysia’s leadership in the palm oil sector. The Edge
CSPO Watch Palm oil news December 2025
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