Rethinking Palm Oil: How Sustainable Choices Make a Difference

Palm oil is found in countless everyday products – yet many
consumers deliberately try to avoid it. But is palm oil really as
problematic as its reputation suggests? And if not, what should we
focus on instead? In this episode of Fritz for Future, we take a
closer look at the complexities behind one of the most debated raw
materials. Host Janine Steeger speaks with Maria Goretti, Palm
Program Manager, and Joel Brown, Country Manager for Colombia at
Solidaridad, an organization working to build more sustainable and
inclusive supply chains worldwide. Together, they explore how palm
oil is used across industries, why it is so widely produced, and
what responsible sourcing looks like in practice. With a focus on
Colombia, the conversation highlights the realities for smallholder
farmers, the challenges they face, and how sustainable practices
can improve livelihoods while protecting natural resources. The
episode also sheds light on the role of partnerships with companies
like Henkel and how regulation and consumer behavior are shaping
the future of the sector.