Lang
China's growing focus on sustainability is helping steer the palm oil industry towards more environmentally and socially responsible practices, according to an industry expert.
As the world's third-largest consumer of palm oil, China imports more than 6 million tonnes annually, according to a report from the Coconut Research Institute under the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences. Rizal Affandi Lukman, Secretary-General of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), said China's increasing emphasis on sustainability has been a key driver behind the modernisation of the palm oil industry.
Lukman also expressed hope for deeper cooperation with China in related areas going forward. Last November, CPOPC signed a memorandum of understanding with the China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs and Native Produce and the World Resources Institute – China Office to strengthen collaboration between China and palm oil producing countries.
China's COFCO, a state-owned agribusiness, has also partnered with Malaysia's Sime Darby Plantation Berhad to promote trade in sustainably produced palm oil, with an emphasis on upholding environmental and social governance standards, including "zero deforestation" commitments.
Speaking to China Daily during a visit to Beijing on 22 April 2025, Lukman said:
"Chinese companies and research institutions are playing a pivotal role in advancing the sustainability of the palm oil industry through collaborative research and technological innovation."
He pointed to a notable example of this cooperation between Tsinghua University and the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, which aims to demonstrate the viability of using palm oil-based biodiesel to reduce carbon emissions.
Lukman added: "China's leadership in low-carbon industries is creating significant opportunities to integrate sustainable palm oil into its supply chains. Going forward, CPOPC aims to deepen cooperation with Chinese partners to expand sustainable practices and raise consumer awareness."
CPOPC is an intergovernmental organisation established in 2015 on the initiative of Indonesia and Malaysia, aimed at strengthening and developing cooperation between member states in palm oil cultivation and industry.
Source: China Daily