Sustainable Palm Oil Research Articles

A palm game design as a development communication strategy to increase knowledge of sustainable oil palm for gen z and millennials in Jakarta

Oil Palm is often associated with environmental disasters, as its cultivation leads to the destruction of primary forests and contributes to climate change. Negative perceptions about oil palm have been increasingly amplified across social media platforms. Therefore, it is crucial to promote sustainable oil palm practices and counter these negative narratives through various channels, particularly digital media. This research focuses on creating a mobile game about oil palm, targeting the millennial and Gen Z communities. The game serves as an educational tool to address growing concerns in both Indonesian and international society regarding oil palm’s environmental and social impacts, including deforestation, biodiversity loss, social conflicts, and climate change. These issues are frequently discussed on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. By employing the ADDIE method, this research designed a game as part of a development communication strategy that blends education with entertainment. The goal is to raise awareness about sustainable oil palm practices among millennials and Gen Z in Jakarta.

ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF INDONESIAN SUSTAINABLE PALM OIL (ISPO) CERTIFICATION AND THE FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE CRUDE PALM OIL (CPO) EXPORTS VOLUME

This study examines the impact of Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification on Indonesian Crude Palm Oil exports and other factors, such as commodity production and prices, exchange rates, and production levels. The data covers total CPO volume (HS codes 15111000 and 15119000) from January 2006 to December 2022, focusing on ISPO certification for large State-owned and Private Enterprises in palm oil cultivation and processing. The analysis employs the Difference-in-Differences (DID) method and multiple linear regression (MLR) to identify the linear relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The DID analysis revealed that Indonesian CPO production and global CPO prices significantly affected CPO export volumes, while soybean oil prices and effective exchange rates were not statistically significant in the regression model. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders in developing strategies that support sustainable growth, enhance competitiveness, and maintain Indonesia's leading position in the global palm oil market. Policymakers should focus on encouraging broader adoption of ISPO among palm oil producers through incentives, training, and technical support, especially for smaller producers.

Growth and initiation of third stage of immature oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) by giving oil palm frond compost and paclobutrazol

The third stage of immature oil palm is the phase where the plants enter preparation for flowering, so efforts are needed to initiate flowering, one of which is by using plant growth regulators (PGR) such as paclobutrazol. It is expected that the use of oil palm fronds as compost and application to oil palm plants can support sustainable oil palm management activities. Paclobutrazol, as a growth regulator, plays a role in stimulating the flowering of immature oil palm plants. This research aims to determine the response to the growth and development of immature oil palm plants in the third stage by administering palm frond compost and paclobutrazol at certain doses and concentrations. The experiment was carried out from June to December 2020 at the Ciparanje Experimental Garden, Faculty of Agriculture, Padjadjaran University. The experimental design used was a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 12 treatments and three replications. The experimental results showed that the application of compost to oil palm fronds and paclobutrazol had a significant effect on plant height and stem girth, but there were no significant differences in the number of fronds, leaf area, chlorophyll index, and flowers. All treatments did not produce flower shoots but showed inhibition of vegetative growth in immature oil palm plants in the third stage. The application of 12.8 kg of oil palm frond compost and 150 ppm paclobutrazol had the best effect on the height and girth of the oil palm stem and had an effect that was not significantly different from other treatments on the parameters of a number of fronds, leaf area, leaf chlorophyll, and flower growth.

Smallholder RSPO certification, economic benefits and agrochemical use

Abstract Sustainability standards, such as the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), can potentially mitigate the trade-offs between economic benefits and environmental harm of oil palm expansion. Using unique primary household and farm level panel data collected from Jambi Province, Indonesia, we first document the differences in agricultural inputs and outputs between certified and non-certified smallholder farmers. Second, we illustrate the potential implications and mechanisms of certification. In this study, therefore, we aim to first document agricultural input and output differences between certified and non-certified smallholder farmers, second to illustrate potential effects of certification with observational data and third to provide guidance for future rigorous causal analyses. We find generally positive correlations between RSPO certification, land productivity, profits, and fertilizer use, and a negative correlation with toxic herbicide use. However, we do not find price premiums for RSPO-certified farmers. Overall, the results of this study are indicative of potentially modest effects of RSPO-certification that may operate through higher productivity due to improved management practices that remain agrochemical intensive but avoid some particularly harmful chemicals. Our findings are relevant to better understand the strong sustainability claims of RSPO marketing and to provide guidance for rigorous causal experimental and quasi-experimental studies.

Palm Oil Crisis in India's FMCG Sector – A Sustainability Dilemma

The FMCG companies in India and world over relies heavily on Palm oil as one of the core ingredients is going through difficult times. Oil Palm plantations have resulted in phenomenal ecological damage and biodiversity in southeast Asian countries which played a significant role in socio-economic development of the local community earlier. The supply chain disruptions along with pressing environmental or social concerns have negatively affected the balance sheets of Indian FMCG companies who was already under the strain of foreign currency fluctuations due to high import dependency. The government has initiated multiple programs under National Mission on Edible Oil to develop prospective solutions to resolve the crisis through sustainable palm oil agricultural practices as supporting environmental norms yet profitable outlook for self-consumption, leveraging government subsidies, inputs and technology through research and knowledge transfer. The study suggests the best competitive strategic measures which can be adopted.

Four new species of Crinopseudoa (Araneae: Corinnidae) from West Africa

Four new species of Crinopseudoa are described from West Africa. Crinopseudoa kru sp. nov. (male, female) and C. sinoensis sp. nov. (male, female) were collected as part of a new sustainable oil palm project in southern Liberia, C. nimba sp. nov. (male, female) from expeditions to Mount Nimba in Guinea, and C. elisabethae sp. nov. (male) from historic museum material from Ivory Coast. An updated key to species is presented as we increase the number of known species of Crinopseudoa from 11 to 15.

Upcycling lignocellulosic palm biomass via Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) composting incorporated with Ex-situ fermentation by Bacillus Subtilis

The growing demand of palm oil has caused expanding deforestation- one of the root causes for global warming. Drawn from the recent Conferences of the Parties (COP) 28, 39 % reduction in global carbon emission would need to be met by 2030 and this requires cooperation from all nations. Hence, the palm oil-producing nations could play their parts by upcycling palm waste biomass to promote sustainable palm oil production. Oil palm frond (OPF), a highly abundant biomass resulted from fruit pruning remains underutilized – mainly due to the undesirable biomass moisture level and low conversion technology readiness in the region. Composting OPF via Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) was proposed to overcome the technological barrier. However, OPF was not palatable for BSFL mainly being nutritionally deficient and highly lignocellulosic. Hence, ex-situ fermentation via Bacillus subtilis followed by blending with decanter cake (DC), nitrogenous palm waste was studied prior to BSFL composting. Results showed that treatment E (OPF:DC 3:7 wt) led to the highest BSFL weight gain (49 %) and biomass degradation (58 %) after 20 rearing days. The reared larvae consisted of 30 % and 22 % crude protein and lipid, respectively – making them an ideal insect meal. Overall, this research aims to give a preliminary overview of employing BSFL in composting highly recalcitrant palm waste biomass.

Corporate farming model for sustainable supply chain crude palm oil of independent smallholder farmers

Independent oil palm smallholders in Indonesia contributed significantly to the sustainable of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) supply chain. On the other hand, sustainability in the process of implementing the supply chain system for independent smallholders is an issue that is extremely important for the success of the supply chain system for the CPO company. This study’s objective is to develop an alternative business model with the goal of strengthening the interaction that already exists between independent farmers and cooperatives in ensuring the existence of a supply chain for raw materials and having access to financial resources, knowledge, and technology. The selection of the research location considered several factors, including the size of the area’s oil palm plantations, the number of oil palm farmers who are self-sufficient, and the possibility of locating CPO plant. Study findings that, the new model by business canvas analysis as the upgraded model of existing model business recommended that it should be built based on the cooperative palm oil family which provides farmers with access to financial, replanting, intensification, and extensification and infrastructure by APKASINDO, BPDPKS, Bank, and other stakeholders to sustain the FFB supply chain in cooperation through a partnership program in a long-term scheme. This whole system was developed by corporate farming system based on the cooperative as the off taker of FFB farmers and develop mini plant CPO to produce cooking oil and biofuels and by product as the waste management system as the value added for farmers.

Evolution of microbial community structure during biohydrogen production process of palm oil anaerobic sludge

Anaerobic microbial communities and their functions can provide information about waste management practices, as well as reveal novel degradation metabolisms that can be utilized in wastewater treatment. This study was aimed towards sustainable palm oil industry with assessing the microbial evolution during the dark fermentative processing of palm oil anaerobic sludge and palm oil mill effluent (POME) in batch-mode over two-months with a distinct incubation time of 24 h. The process was designed using response surface methodology (RSM) by acclimatization of inoculum using POME with a chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 36 g-COD/l. The effect of mesophilic and thermophilic conditions and pH on COD removal, hydrogen content, and hydrogen yield (HY) were investigated. A potential sample was selected for microbial analysis after the first and second months of operation based on the maximum outputs achieved throughout the experiment. The bacterial community at pH 5.6 and temperature 55 ˚C with maximum hydrogen content of 64.13 %, and HY of 0.93 ml H2/g-COD was dominated by three phyla: Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidota. The results obtained from high throughput pyrosequencing showed that how acclimatization period affects the microbial community structure towards Firmicutes phylum, which includes the majority of hydrogen-producing microorganisms.

Legality and land status origin in sustainable oil palm management: A case study of traceability in West Kalimantan supply chains amid EU Deforestation Regulations

Legality and land status origin in sustainable oil palm management: A case study of traceability in West Kalimantan supply chains amid EU Deforestation Regulations

Assessing the Impact of Sustainable Independent Oil Palm Cultivation on Rural Development: A Case Study of Angkola Sangkunur Sub-District, South Tapanuli Regency

This study evaluates the impact of sustainable independent oil palm cultivation on rural development in the Angkola Sangkunur sub-district, South Tapanuli Regency, Indonesia. The research focuses on five key aspects: legal, technical cultivation, environmental management, labor, and institutional factors. Data was collected through a combination of primary and secondary sources, with primary data obtained via questionnaires distributed to a probability-based sample of 165 respondents. The analysis employed multiple linear regression to assess the influence of each aspect on regional development, with hypotheses tested using both F-tests and t-tests. The results reveal that the technical cultivation and institutional aspects exert a significant positive influence on rural development, underscoring the critical role of advanced agricultural practices and strong governance structures. While legal and environmental management aspects also have positive effects, their impact was not statistically significant, indicating that these factors may require further development or longer timeframes to manifest significant outcomes. Conversely, the labor aspect showed a negative but statistically insignificant effect, suggesting that the costs associated with implementing sustainable labor practices may pose challenges for smallholder farmers. This study concludes that enhancing technical capabilities and institutional frameworks offers the most immediate and substantial benefits for rural development in the region. However, a holistic approach that also addresses legal, environmental, and labor issues is essential for achieving long-term sustainability. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers focused on sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Risky for the income, useful for the environment: Predicting farmers' intention to adopt oil palm agroforestry using an extended theory of planned behaviour

Oil palm agroforestry provides potential benefits for promoting the environmental sustainability and resilience of smallholder plantations. However, its adoption remains limited, and there is no evidence of sociopsychological factors influencing farmers' adoption of oil palm agroforestry. This study applies an extended Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to analyse smallholder farmers' intentions to adopt oil palm agroforestry. The study sampled 205 oil palm farmers from Jambi, Indonesia and applied partial least squares structural equation modelling, which is commonly used in studies involving TPB. The results showed that attitudes towards oil palm agroforestry and perceived behavioural control positively influenced farmers' intentions to adopt oil palm agroforestry. However, the influence of subjective norms was not statistically significant. Additionally, compared with its perceived environmental benefits, the perceived risks of adopting oil palm agroforestry had a stronger effect on attitudes and perceived behavioural control. The most crucial barrier to adopting oil palm agroforestry is the farmers' perception of its difficulty. The findings highlight that predicting farmers' intention to adopt oil palm agroforestry with the TPB is complex but also underscores the potential acceptance of oil palm agroforestry implementation in smallholder plantations. Policymakers should focus on reducing the barriers and consider smallholders’ practical preferences when designing interventions to implement oil palm agroforestry. The results contribute to the development of sustainable oil palm policy schemes to maintain commodity competitiveness in the global market, where there is an increasing demand for sustainably produced goods.

Design and Finite Element Analysis of a Thresher for Palm Oil (Elaies guineensis) Extraction Plant

This study presents the design and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of a thresher used in palm oil (Elaeis guineensis) extraction plants. The FEA was performed to ensure safe and cost effective of the thresher before fabrication. The analytical design of the threshing shaft and drum of the thresher was validated using SolidWorks (2021) CAD software for static simulation, employing plain carbon steel as the material. For the threshing shaft, forces of and were applied at strategic points, resulting in a maximum bending stress of , significantly below the yield strength of . The shaft's diameter of 50 mm was confirmed as adequate with a factor of safety (FOS) ranging from 3.17 to 142.42, validating the shaft design's safety for fabrication. Similarly, the drum unit, supported by a spider arm and cylindrical bars, was subjected to an equivalent twisting moment of 861.25 Nm and a batch weight of 1226.25 N. The maximum von Mises stress of was well within safe limits, indicating robustness under operational loads. The maximum resultant displacement and equivalent strain were respectively which can be said to be minimal, reinforcing the drum's structural integrity. A minimum FOS of 20.45 further highlighted the drum's durability and resistance to fatigue. These results confirm the reliability and safety of the designed thresher components, ensuring efficient and sustainable palm oil extraction.

Navigating Challenges in the Palm Oil Industry: Sime Darby Plantation’s Strategic Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

This paper explores the impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic on Sime Darby Plantation Berhad (SDP), the world's largest producer of certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO). With a significant reliance on foreign labor, SDP faced substantial challenges due to border closures and movement restrictions imposed during the pandemic. The analysis focuses on the labor shortage, decreased production, and fluctuating global demand for palm oil. It also examines the measures SDP implemented to mitigate these challenges, including enhanced safety protocols, recruitment of local workers, and efforts to reduce dependency on manual labor through increased automation and mechanization. The evaluation of these strategies highlights their short-term effectiveness and potential long-term sustainability. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of technological innovation in overcoming labor shortages and ensuring SDP's continued growth and leadership in the palm oil industry.

A review on adoption of the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification scheme

A review on adoption of the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification scheme

Model of partnership in sustainable palm oil: efforts to increase partnerships in the palm oil business in Indonesia

Purpose A partnership model is necessary for palm oil plantations’ sustainability. The developed model does not identify the optimal technique for smallholder palm oil because it faces complex challenges. This study aims to determine a partnership model for sustainable palm oil plantation business in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research methods were used, and data analysis was performed using NVivo 12 Plus software, which helps improve the accuracy of qualitative studies and provides implications for evidence-based studies. All respondents, whether through surveys, interviews or focus group discussions, understood their contributions to this research and provided consent. Findings The results indicate that the core–plasma partnership pattern implemented by companies needs to be considered a relevant model for partnerships in the Indonesian palm oil industry. Social networks play a role in implementing this partnership pattern, which is influenced by the diversity of the actors involved. However, complexity arises from the dynamics of power and position among these actors, which demands increased interaction and mutual trust. Therefore, various dimensions must be considered, including plantation management, product marketing, cultivation techniques and sustainable development. Research limitations/implications The research results have limitations, particularly regarding access to information for company policymakers, because there remains complexity related to the position and dominance of power between actors, which influences the achievement of common goals. A more complex analysis is needed to produce complete research. Further studies are required to provide a more comprehensive explanation of the humanist approach in the context of palm plantations. Originality/value This study provides an important theoretical implementation: a more humane approach through a partnership model that adds value and is based on aspects of morality in implementing partnerships in the palm oil plantation sector. It also provides new and substantial insights regarding practical implementation for policymakers and practitioners who want to improve partnership practices in sustainable palm oil businesses by implementing value-added and morality-based partnership models in Indonesia as well as other developing countries.

What are the Major Barriers and Challenges Faced by Independent Oil Palm Smallholder Farmers in RSPO Certification?

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification is essential for promoting sustainable palm oil production; however, smallholder farmers face significant obstacles in meeting its standards, hindering their growth. This study aims to identify the main barriers and challenges for independent oil palm smallholders in the RSPO certification process and to propose strategies for overcoming these issues. Using a mixed-methods approach, researchers collected data from 60 smallholders through a snowball sampling method and analyzed it using descriptive statistical techniques such as frequency counts and cross-tabulations. Critical barriers identified include high certification costs, lack of knowledge, limited resources, difficulties tracking production yields, and challenges meeting social requirements. Furthermore, smallholders struggle with adapting cultivation practices, accessing markets, maintaining commitment, building capacity, and navigating bureaucratic hurdles. Organizations are urged to adopt market development strategies, enhance their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and facilitate better access to sustainable technologies to tackle these challenges. Additionally, enhancing green skills, simplifying record-keeping, reinforcing farmer groups, and offering financial incentives, including soft loans and tailored training, are critical. Streamlining certification procedures will also alleviate administrative burdens, enabling smallholders to adopt sustainable practices more effectively.

Cost reduction for upscaling voluntary sustainability standards: the case of independent oil palm smallholders in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Upscaling Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) can generate ecological and social benefits at a scale that is meaningful to address pressing environmental issues such as climate change and biodiversity losses. Lack of resources and risks of implementation gaps may, however, hinder the success of upscaling VSS. This paper aims to fill the gap in the literature regarding options to reduce certification costs to upscale VSS amid the limited financial resources available for certification. The paper presents the result of action research involving 3,507 independent oil palm farmers who are members of six farmer groups in two districts in Central Kalimantan to achieve Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification. The research found that achieving economies of scale by increasing the total number of certified farmers can reduce the certification costs per farmer. By establishing a district-level entity, the costs related to audits, RSPO membership fees, and the establishment of farmer groups, such as developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), can be lowered. Implementation gaps were not found with the increase of farmers joining the project based on the training frequency and the external audit findings reports on farmers' compliance with RSPO principles and criteria. The findings of this study provide a basis for promoting the upscaling of VSS, including through the RSPO jurisdictional approach.

Jurisdictional risk assessment and implementation of theory of change to sustainable palm oil in Pelalawan District, Riau Province

Abstract The jurisdictional approach has been widely used to address multifaceted issues associated with commodity-driven deforestation. Risk assessment at the jurisdictional level is required to implement jurisdictional programs. We developed a risk framework and indicator to assess the risks associated with achieving sustainable palm oil, using Pelalawan District as a case study. Pelalawan scored 0.48 out of 1, with the highest risks in the percentage of deforestation driven by oil palm plantation in mineral forest and pressure due to demand by global trade/export. Risks that are not mitigated will hamper the district’s effort to achieve sustainability. Following the assessment, we brought together multistakeholder in a workshop to develop a common vision using the theory of change framework. This study introduces new ways to approach sustainable palm oil initiatives in the palm oil sector using risk assessment and a theory of change framework.

Strategy for Increasing Exports of Indonesian Palm Oil

Abstract Palm oil and its derivatives contribute to 13% of Indonesia’s total exports. Indonesia has a significant opportunity to become a major player in the global palm oil trade but faces threats in expanding market access and even maintaining existing markets. This research aims to analyse the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the plantation sector, especially palm oil, in Indonesia, using competitiveness analysis and Export Product Dynamic to formulate strategies for enhancing the export of palm products and derivatives. From this analysis, it is concluded that Indonesia has strength in its geographic conditions, but needs to strengthen human resources, especially in the agricultural sector, and add value to export commodities beyond raw materials. With the growth of the international market and the increase in the number of free trade agreements held by Indonesia, the potential for developing market access for palm and its derivatives is likely to expand. However, Indonesia also faces non-tariff barriers and environmental unfriendliness stigma, resulting in rejection or obstacles for Indonesian products to enter export destination countries. Strategies to be explored further include expanding into emerging markets while maintaining traditional markets, optimizing research and development for upstream efficiency and downstream derivative product diversification, improving sustainable palm oil industry governance, and enhancing domestic policies to support the palm oil industry.