Decorated trees, half opened advent calendars and the same songs being played on the radio every day - it must be Christmas time.
As the big day draws ever closer, many of us will be looking forward to relaxing with good food, drink and thoughtful gifts. Whilst palm oil might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of the festive period - it’s found in hundreds of popular seasonal products.
In this suitably festive blog we’re going to be telling you why palm isn’t just for Christmas but for life - and why because of this it’s absolutely essential we source and use sustainable palm to ensure the planet can be enjoyed for many more festive seasons to come.
From Palm Oil for Pies and Puddings...
Palm oil is present in a lot of our favourite foods in December, and is used in the production of foods, like cake, biscuits, chocolate and frying fats. It’s also the ingredient of choice in vegetable suet mixtures, and in mince meat.
In fact, it’s in nearly 50% of the packaged products we pick up at supermarkets. Palm oil’s prevalence can be attributed to its versatility; it is colourless and odourless, and semi-solid at room temperature. This gives it a spreadable consistency whilst being resistant to oxidation - meaning products which contain it have a longer shelf-life.
Another benefit is that it remains stable at high temperatures – this makes frying oil last longer, and helps to give fried products a crispy and crunchy texture. These characteristics make it the obvious choice for a diverse range of foods - and it’s highly likely you’ll have had palm in some shape or form on previous Christmas dinners.
...Through to Presents
These qualities of palm oil also make it highly practical for the homewear, beauty and cosmetics industries, where it can be found in make-up, shampoo, soap bars and other cleaning products.
These products are of course extremely popular choices for presents when December rolls around - and this is reflected through statistics whereby the beauty industry is ranked the second highest Christmas shopping industry globally.
When consumers give new make-up or skincare products such as lipsticks, foundations or skincare products as gifts, a high proportion will contain palm oil Palm is incredibly popular amongst manufacturers in this industry because of its natural preservative effect and moisturising properties. These characteristics are ideal for these types of products which require a long shelf-life, smooth consistency and a safe absorption by the skin.
In England, expenditure on food increases by an average of 20% during the festive period and the biggest expense for Britons this December, as in previous years, will be presents and gifts. Whilst the specific types of food and presents will vary depending on the household’s financial situation, taste and culture - it’s fair to assume that palm oil will be present in many different homes this month.
Sustainable Palm Oil - Not Just for Christmas
As the unique qualities of palm oils are difficult to recreate by alternative crops, it is used heavily by a diverse range of industries and unlikely to stop being used. So, whilst many Christmas presents will be discarded, and leftover dinners scraped into the bin - palm isn’t going anywhere.
Unfortunately, palm has been historically viewed as a damaging crop - associated with deforestation and damaging the planet. However, it’s incredibly efficient compared to other vegetable oils, and can be produced in high quantities over small areas of land nearly all year around.
So what do we do to ensure that palm oil is a force for good in the world?
The answer instead lies in a sustainably and responsibly sourced palm oil, that prioritises the well-being of the land, and those who grow it.
Whilst consumers should be encouraged to purchase more ethically produced products, the success of sustainable palm oil also relies on the cooperation of companies who need to be transparent in their use and sourcing of palm oil. This also includes having robust policies in place to prevent deforestation and protect natural ecosystems.
The decision to choose certified sustainable and ethically sourced palm oil should be seen as essential for forward thinking buisnesses who are seeking to elevate their sustainability credentials. Making the switch to a more planet-friendly product shows that an organisation is ethical, aware of their responsibilty and that they are making an active commitment to a greener future.
Our Promise to the Planet
At Daabon, we know the value and potential that certified sustainable palm oil holds - and know that there is no alternative that is quite as efficient.
That’s why we pride ourselves on providing organic and certified sustainable palm oil that is produced in a way with minimal harm to the planet and people. We are Rainforest Alliance and RSPO certified, and have several sustainability policies in place to demonstrate our commitment to a greener future.
To find out more about using certified sustainable, ethical and organic palm oil in your products, or to find out more - please get in contact with our team.
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