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Palm Downstream Tribune

Policy Watch

U.S. EPA Delays 2026–2027 Biofuel Mandates, Extending Industry Uncertainty

Market Outlook

IATA: SAF Production Growth Rate is Slowing Down

VOL.8 NO.1 JANUARY - MARCH 2026

Palm Oil Tribune

Market Outlook

Palm Oil Tribune

Market Outlook

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FRONT COVER

Biofuel Mandates, Industry Uncertainty

Editorial Team EDITOR Zahidah Zahidi zahidah@maps-globe.com CREATIVE DESIGNER Muhammad Faireez artwork@mapsglobe.com Azriq bin Mohd Suhairi mapsglobe.azriq@gmail.com

Quarterly Publication Palm Oil Industry Tribune Series: Palm Downstream Tribune

Volume 8 | No 1 Other Series: Palm Plantation Tribune Palm Oil Tribune What’s in it News Roundup Expert Insights Regional Policies Technologies Event Summary Follow us on: Next Chapter Media Next Chapter Media

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Sustainability

Innovation

Growth

Market Outlook

Palm Oil Tribune

CONTENTS 5-9

A quick digest of the latest policies and market trends.

Red Palm Oil for Diabetes-Friendly Nutrition

Latest News Roundup

Policy Watch

U.S. EPA Delays 2026–2027 Biofuel Mandates, Extending Industry Uncertainty

11-12

Market Outlook

IATA: SAF Production Growth Rate is Slowing Down

13-14

Nutrition Corner

21-28

Knowledge Nuggets

The Secret Life of Palm Oil: A Layman’s Chemistry Tour

Key Palm Oil Mid & Downstream Stakeholders: Ministries, Its Agencies And Related Associations in Malaysia and Indonesia

Used Cooking Oil (UCO) Innovations

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Innovations

Market Watch

Sri Lanka’s Palm Oil Policy Stalemate Hits Downstream Exports

17-18

Event Summary

Nutrition Satellite Symposium 2025: Advancing Science-Based Palm Oil Nutrition

Event List 2026

1, 2, & 16

Muar Ban Lee Group Berhad

Maps & Globe Specialist Distributor

Back Cover

Next Chapter Media

News Roundup

Palm Oil Tribune

Palm Oil Industry to Remain Stable in 2026, Focusing on R&D, Yield Improvement – Johari

EU palm oil imports decline, but palm-based SAF faces no pushback

16 December 2025

5 November 2025

Malaysia’s palm oil industry is expected to remain stable and competitive next year, driven by continued emphasis on research and development (R&D), yield improvements and sustainable practices in line with global market requirements, said newly appointed Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

Palm oil imports into the European Union continue to show a downward trend, with EU-27 countries importing nearly 958,000 tonnes between 1 July and 2 November 2025, representing a 20% decline compared with the same period in 2024. Indonesia experienced a sharp drop in exports to the EU, while Malaysia maintained its position as the leading supplier with 272,000 tonnes, accounting for 28% of total imports. The continued decline is linked to the exclusion of palm oil-based biofuels from national quota obligations and the increased use of waste oils and fats in transport fuel production.

Johari, who was formerly the Minister of Plantations and Commodities, said the industry’s direction for 2026 will focus on increasing productivity, in line with the country's commitment to halt deforestation and ensure environmental sustainability. Johari said this strategy will continue to be supported by R&D to explore new applications for palm oil, not only in the food sector but also in non-food products, thereby expanding the commodity’s uses and added value globally. “In about 25 years, more than 700 R&D projects have been carried out by MPOB, and roughly 200 of them have been commercialised. This has dramatically increased the use of palm oil, including in food and non-food products in many countries,” he said. Johari emphasised that continuity in R&D is crucial to ensure the palm oil industry continues to grow, with applications that keep expanding and can be commercialised effectively.

Despite these market shifts, Malaysian palm-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) faces no European pushback. “We have no issue on that front. It also has the Sustainable Palm Oil certification, which assures international markets that every tonne of palm oil is produced sustainably,” Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said. The used cooking oil (UCO) in the country’s primary SAF feedstock enjoys a strong rating in Europe and is accepted as quality raw material. Johari said Malaysia, as the world’s second-largest palm oil producer, holds a strategic supply advantage in the SAF industry.

News Roundup

Palm Oil Tribune

Indonesia's B50 road test started, aiming for mandatory use by H2 2026

Indonesia’s Reduced Exports Could Drive Up Cooking Oil Prices

19 December 2025

14 October 2025

Indonesia has started road tests for biodiesel containing 50% palm oil (B50) in early December 2025, with the trial period expected to last around six months. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said mandatory implementation is likely to begin in the second half of 2026.

Indonesia’s proposed B50 biodiesel mandate could significantly tighten global crude palm oil (CPO) supply and support higher prices, according to CIMB Securities, following the country’s move to begin B50 road tests in December 2025.

The government is assessing whether the B50 mandate should be applied selectively, rather than across all sectors. Senior Energy Ministry official Eniya Listiani Dewi said tests will cover a range of machinery and transport modes, including trains, ships, mining equipment and power generators. Authorities are evaluating technical performance, pricing implications and palm oil fuel availability before finalising policy decisions. Initial implementation may focus on public service obligation (PSO) sectors such as public transport and logistics, reflecting current biodiesel production constraints. The move aims to reduce Indonesia’s reliance on imported fuel by increasing the palm oil blend from the current 40%, while managing supply and operational risks during the transition.

The research house estimates that full implementation by late 2026 could require an additional 4–5.3 million tonnes of CPO, lifting demand by around 5% compared with 2024 levels. This would build on the existing B40 programme and reinforce Indonesia’s push for energy security and reduced diesel imports. Indonesia is also weighing stricter export controls, including tighter Domestic Market Obligation (DMO) requirements, to ensure sufficient feedstock for B50. However, the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) cautioned that reduced exports could drive up cooking oil prices, particularly if production growth lags demand. While B50 is expected to strengthen domestic biodiesel demand, analysts flagged risks related to funding, blending capacity, smallholder replanting progress and food security, underscoring the potential trade-offs between energy policy and edible oil market stability.

News Roundup

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UK TRA Proposes Maintaining Countervailing Duties (CVD) on Indonesian Biodiesel Imports

Malaysia ramps up SAF production

12 December 2025

24 November 2025

The United Kingdom’s Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has proposed maintaining countervailing duties (CVDs) on biodiesel imports from Indonesia, reaffirming protective measures that aim to counteract subsidised competition and protect UK producers.

Malaysia has made a significant leap in its clean-energy strategy with the commercial production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at EcoCeres Renewable Fuels’ Tanjung Langsat facility. Operational since October 2025, the plant can produce up to 350,000 tonnes of SAF annually, positioning Malaysia as a regional supplier of low-carbon aviation fuel.

In a Statement of Essential Facts published as part of a transition review initiated in December 2024, the TRA recommends continuing existing duty rates, which range from 8% to 18%, on biodiesel products imported from Indonesia. The review also proposes updating the product description to clarify that the duties apply to fatty-acid methyl esters or paraffinic gasoils derived from non-fossil sources, whether in pure form or blended, while explicitly excluding sustainable aviation fuels from the scope. CVDs are designed to offset alleged government subsidies that could put UK biodiesel producers at a competitive disadvantage. The TRA’s findings are open for comment from interested parties, with submissions invited through the Trade Remedies Service before early January 2026.

Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani highlighted SAF as critical for decarbonising aviation, a hard-to-abate sector, and supporting Malaysia’s pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The government has outlined supporting policy frameworks, including the Aviation Decarbonisation Blueprint and the National Energy Transition Roadmap, and plans to implement a SAF blending mandate starting with a proposed 1% SAF requirement for flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Used cooking oil UCO serves as the primary feedstock, with over 1,200 tonnes collected from nearly 66,000 households since July 2023, supplemented by potential future feedstocks such as empty fruit bunch oil and palm oil mill effluent. Certified under ISCC for both ICAO CORSIA and EU standards, the facility represents a US$800 million investment and creates more than 300 jobs, strengthening Malaysia’s biofuel and biomass industries while contributing to a circular economy.

News Roundup

Palm Oil Tribune

Indonesia Targets 1mn KL/Year of SAF by 2030

UK TRA Imposes Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Biodiesel Imports

26 November 2025

25 November 2025

Indonesia aims to produce over 1 million kilolitres of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) annually by 2030, with used cooking oil (UCO) as a key feedstock, the government announced at COP30 in Belem, Brazil. Currently, only 23% of UCO is collected, but optimised systems could mobilise 715,000 t/yr, avoiding an estimated 500,000 t/yr of CO2 emissions.

The UK Secretary of State accepted the Trade Remedies Authority’s (TRA) recommendation to impose anti-dumping duties (ADs) on biodiesel imports from China, effective 25 November 2025, aiming to prevent imports sold below fair market value from undercutting UK producers.

State-owned Pertamina is expanding SAF production at its Cilacap refinery in Central Java and developing green refineries in South Sumatra, Riau, West Java, and East Kalimantan. Current blends use around 3% UCO, with research underway to increase this share through improved catalysts and processing efficiency. Indonesia plans a phased approach: a 1% SAF blending mandate at selected airports by 2027, scaling to 5% for international flights by 2035. The strategy links feedstock collection, refinery output, and distribution under a coordinated national framework, aiming for stable supply, industrial competitiveness, and long-term policy certainty. Local communities are contributing by selling UCO to waste banks, supporting both SAF production and household income.

The TRA’s investigation, launched in June 2024 following an application by the Renewable Transport Fuels Association on behalf of UK producers, found that Chinese biodiesel was dumped at unfairly low prices, causing material injury to domestic producers such as Argent Energy and Olleco. The duties are ad valorem, applying to biodiesel and renewable diesel, including fatty-acid mono-alkylesters (FAME) and hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVO), whether in pure form or blended, excluding sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Rates are 14.79% for the Zhuoyue Group and non-sampled cooperating exporters, and 54.64% for all other exporters The measure is intended to ensure fair competition for UK producers and maintain a level playing field in the renewable fuel market.

News Roundup

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Next Chapter Media Gateway to Global Markets

Malaysia and China Advance Downstream Palm Oil Cooperation Under “Two

Malaysia seeks to regain palm oil market share in China

20 November 2025

27 November 2025

Malaysia and China have stepped up bilateral industrial cooperation through the Malaysia–China “Two Countries, Twin Parks” Oil Palm Industry Promotion Conference, organised by the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK), MPOB and the Administrative Committee of the China–Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park.

Malaysia’s palm oil exports to China fell nearly 39% in the first ten months of 2025, due to logistics challenges and rising prices, said Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. For the first time, palm oil has surpassed soybean oil in price, prompting Chinese buyers to favour soybean oil for consumption and industrial use.

The Twin Parks initiative marks a new phase of collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to promote sustainable palm oil trade, downstream industrial investment and innovation-driven growth. It links the China–Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park and the Malaysia–China Kuantan Industrial Park via a “Green Channel for Oil Palm” connecting the ports of Qinzhou, Kuantan and Klang. The channel is designed to enhance logistics efficiency, improve traceability and sustainability certification. Industry leaders highlighted the growing role of palm-based oleochemicals in high-value applications such as personal care, household cleaning, textiles and lubricants, particularly for China and ASEAN markets. The conference served as a platform to strengthen sustainable industrial cooperation, support the development of green oleochemical clusters and promote inclusive growth involving smallholders and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Speaking at the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) Industry Dialogue with Chinese Buyers, Johari highlighted the importance of open engagement to build trust and align policies with market realities. He noted that China remains a strategic market, representing roughly 2.5 million tonnes of palm oil demand, and that the decline reflects deeper challenges in competitiveness, logistics, and pricing. Malaysia will continue to maintain transparent and predictable export policies while engaging in ongoing dialogue to align pricing expectations, market developments, and long-term supply planning. The MPOC also hosted a trade networking visit for 37 Chinese buyers from key food and non-food sectors, providing a platform to expand Malaysian palm oil exports and reinforce confidence in the country’s supply chain.

Policy Watch

Palm Oil Tribune

U.S. EPA Delays 2026–2027 Biofuel Mandates, Extending Industry Uncertainty The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to finalise biofuel blending mandates for 2026 and 2027 only in the first quarter of 2026, delaying a major energy policy decision that had originally been expected by late October 2025. The mandates are set under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which requires billions of gallons of ethanol, biodiesel and other renewable fuels to be blended into the U.S. fuel supply each year. According to Reuters, the delay follows ongoing consultations between the EPA and the White House Office of Management and Budget and was confirmed in a court filing dated December 15. The postponement has prolonged uncertainty for fuel producers, farmers and commodity traders, who rely on clear blending quotas to lock in supply contracts, hedge volatile crop and energy markets, and justify investments in new production capacity. Industry participants say the lack of clarity has forced companies to hold back on deals and delay spending decisions that influence output and margins. Earlier this year, the EPA proposed raising total renewable fuel requirements for both 2026 and 2027, including significant increases in targets for advanced biofuels and biomass-based diesel, while tightening rules on the use of imported biofuels. The proposal intensified disagreements between refiners and biofuel producers.

Edited by: Zahidah Zahidi Source: Reuters

Refiners have argued for lower mandates and easier access to imports to control compliance costs, while biofuel producers and agricultural groups are pushing for higher blending volumes focused on domestic supply. Sources familiar with the discussions said the quotas have become entangled with a broader set of unresolved biofuel and energy policy issues under consideration by the Trump administration. These include proposals to allow year-round sales of higher ethanol blends, potential penalties on imported biofuels and feedstocks, and questions over whether large refiners should compensate for volumes exempted from RFS obligations. The EPA has scheduled meetings with stakeholders early next year, signalling that the decision will not be resolved before the end of 2025. While the agency said it is still reviewing public comments, it declined to provide a specific timeline beyond the first quarter of 2026. The White House has held several meetings with oil and agricultural groups in recent weeks in an effort to find common ground, underscoring the political sensitivity of biofuel policy and its implications for energy security, farm incomes and fuel markets.

Palm Oil Tribune

Market Outlook

IATA: SAF Production Growth Rate is Slowing Down

The International Air Transport Association (IATA)

In 2025, SAF output is expected to reach 1.9 million tonnes (Mt) (2.4 billion liters), double the 1 Mt produced in 2024. However, in 2026, SAF production growth is projected to slow down and reach 2.4 Mt. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released new estimates for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. SAF production in 2025 represents only 0.6% of total jet fuel consumption, increasing to 0.8% the following year. At current price levels, the SAF premium translates into an additional USD 3.6 billion in fuel costs for the industry in 2025. The estimated SAF output for 2025 of 1.9 Mt is a downward revision from IATA’s earlier forecasts due to lack of policy support to take full advantage of the installed SAF capacities. SAF prices exceed fossil-based jet fuel by a factor of two, and by up to a factor of five in mandated markets. “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 the decarbonization of aviation, then they need to learn from failure and work with the airline industry to design incentives that will work,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Market Outlook

Palm Oil Tribune

The Negative Effects of EU & UK SAF Mandates Mandates in the EU and UK have failed to accelerate SAF production and adoption: In Europe, ReFuelEU Aviation has sharply increased costs amid limited SAF capacity and oligopolistic supply chains. Fuel suppliers have widened their profit margins to such an extent that airlines pay up to five times more than the price of conventional jet fuel and double the market price of SAF. All this comes without guaranteeing supply or consistent documentation. The UK’s SAF mandate has triggered price spikes, leaving airlines to absorb the burden. The cumulative impact of poorly designed policy frameworks is that airlines paid a premium of USD 2.9 billion for the limited 1.9 Mt of SAF available in 2025. Of this, USD 1.4 billion reflects the standard SAF price premium over conventional fuel. “Europe’s fragmented policies distort markets, slow investment, and undermine efforts to scale SAF production. Europe’s regulators must recognize that its approach is not working and urgently correct course. The recent European Commission STIP announcement is a step forward though it lacks a clear timeline. Actions, not words, are what matter,” said Walsh. The failure to accelerate the expansion of SAF production capacity will cause many airlines to review their own SAF targets. “Regrettably, many airlines that have committed to using 10% SAF by 2030 will be forced to reevaluate these commitments. SAF is not being produced in sufficient amounts to enable these airlines to achieve their ambition. These commitments were made in good faith but simply cannot be delivered,” said Walsh.

Looking Ahead to e-SAF Mandates With e-SAF mandates approaching in the UK (2028) and EU (2030), it’s essential not to repeat the policy missteps seen with SAF. Already, e-SAF faces a much higher cost base, potentially up to 12 times that of conventional jet fuel. Without strong production incentives (as opposed to mandates), supply will fall short of targets. On top of that, compliance costs could escalate to EUR 29 billion by 2032 if targets aren’t met, as seems very likely with the current policy framework. “Given the low SAF production volumes, it is evident that current policies are not having the desired effect. Faced with such facts, regulators must course-correct, ensure the long-term viability of SAF production, and achieve scale so that costs can come down. Mandates have done just the opposite, and it is outrageous to repeat the same mistakes with e-SAF mandates,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Sustainability and Chief Economist.

Innovations

Palm Oil Tribune

Used Cooking Oil (UCO) Innovations

Edited by: Zahidah Zahidi Source: CBC, BERNAMA

Recycled Cooking Oil Finds a New Role in Dust Suppression A Vancouver Island company is demonstrating a novel non-food application for recycled cooking oil, using refined waste oil to suppress dust and reduce erosion on unpaved roads. Ergo Eco Solutions, based in Cobble Hill, British Columbia, collects used cooking oil from local restaurants and processes it into a proprietary concentrate that is diluted with water and applied to dirt roads. According to the company, the solution binds fine particulate matter, reinforcing the road surface while significantly reducing dust pollution.

Brian Roberts is the CEO of Ergo Eco Solutions, and believes he has found an innovative new solution for dust suppression that is more environmentally friendly than current popular methods. (Claire Palmer/CBC)

The Malahat Nation participated in the pilot, reporting clear performance differences between treated and untreated road sections throughout the summer months. Local restaurants, including the Cobblestone Inn Pub, supply used cooking oil to the programme, supporting waste reduction and local circular-economy activity.

Speaking to CBC, CEO Brian Roberts said treated roads require only a few applications over the summer, compared with repeated daily watering typically used for dust control. Pilot results from last summer indicate water usage could be reduced by up to 99.5 per cent.

Ergo Eco Solutions said the project highlights the potential for recycled cooking oil to generate value beyond conventional biofuel use, offering a practical, environmentally friendly industrial application with local economic benefits.

The initiative addresses a widespread challenge, as more than 90 per cent of roads in British Columbia are unpaved and traditionally treated with chloride salts, which are corrosive and environmentally harmful. Alternative methods, such as frequent watering, also increase vehicle wear and road degradation. “I think anybody who's driven on a rural road, and especially behind someone and kind of eaten the dust, knows that it's a problem, both for respiration, for human health and also for visibility and safety on roads. There are so few good solutions for controlling dust on roads right now, and I think that's the thing that we really noticed.” said Roberts. The project serves as a reminder that circular economy opportunities extend well beyond traditional markets, and that innovation at the application level can open entirely new pathways for sustainable growth.

Innovations

Palm Oil Tribune

Kelantan Innovators Convert UCO into SAF Feedstock What many see as waste has become a breakthrough innovation for two Kelantan-born entrepreneurs who have successfully turned used cooking oil into a sustainable aviation fuel capable of powering aircraft. Arjuna Dharma Global, co-founded by former aircraft engineer Muhammad Arif Arman Suddin, 30, and Mohammad Azhan Shamsu Anuar, 28, collects used cooking oil from households, traders and companies across the East Coast and Perak, processing it to meet international aviation sustainability standards. Muhammad Arif Arman said it took about eight months of intensive research and testing to refine the production process. The used oil undergoes multiple stages, including fine filtration, to comply with International Sustainability and Carbon Certification under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (ISCC CORSIA). Only vegetable-based oils qualify under the certification criteria, with checks conducted on smell, colour and density. The company purchases used cooking oil at RM2.30–RM3.00 per kilogramme and currently collects close to 5,000 litres daily. Processed oil is delivered in batches of approximately 33,000 litres to Port Klang before being supplied to certified international aviation fuel companies. The product has received regular orders from buyers in Europe and the United States and is reported to reduce carbon emissions by up to four times compared with conventional jet fuel. He said the venture now generates six-figure monthly revenue and demonstrates the commercial and environmental potential of waste-based feedstocks. He hopes more Malaysians will recognise the economic and environmental value of used cooking oil.

Kitchen Waste Transformed into Plastic and Superglue Scientists have developed a method to convert discarded cooking oil into recyclable plastics and a superglue strong enough to tow a car, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel–derived materials. Researchers, including those from the University of South Carolina, chemically transformed the fatty acids in cooking oil into long polymer chains that mimic polyethylene, the material used in conventional plastics. The resulting polymers exhibit comparable mechanical strength, flexibility, and rigidity, while being fully derived The physical properties can be adjusted: linear polymers are rigid, while branched chains produce flexible or sticky materials. In tests, the adhesive polymer held two stainless-steel plates together with a load of 123 kg and could tow a sedan on a slight incline.

Palm Oil Tribune

Market Watch

Sri Lanka’s Palm Oil Policy Stalemate Hits Downstream Exports

Evdited by Zahidah Zahidi Source: Sunday Times

Sri Lanka’s ban on crude palm oil (CPO) imports and new oil palm cultivation is straining the country’s downstream edible oil and specialty fats industry. Manufacturers warn that the policy deadlock is undermining export competitiveness, disrupting supply chains, and putting thousands of livelihoods at risk. Since the ban took effect in April 2021, Sri Lanka has spent over US$175 million on alternative edible oil imports to meet domestic demand. BOI-registered manufacturers producing palm-based products, including vanaspathi ghee, bakery shortenings, CBS fats, and chocolate fats, have struggled to maintain production, reporting cumulative export losses of around US$40 million after supply chains collapsed in 2022. The situation has drawn renewed attention as India, Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner, reopened HS codes for palm-oil-based imports while raising its edible oil tariffs. This creates a window of opportunity for Sri Lankan processed palm oil products, yet domestic producers remain unable to capitalise due to restricted access to CPO. Industry stakeholders have proposed a regulated licensing system to allow CPO imports for export-oriented manufacturers, estimating that production restoration could generate up to US$75 million in annual export revenue. Plantation companies are also calling for the lifting of the nationwide cultivation ban, introduced in 2022, and have proposed a structured replanting programme of 10,000 acres annually. They argue that, within six years, Sri Lanka could achieve edible-oil self-sufficiency and generate a potential export surplus. Regional developments highlight the strategic value of oil palm cultivation. India, which imports nearly eight million tonnes of palm oil annually, has launched a large-scale programme to cultivate oil palm on five million hectares, signalling that regulated palm cultivation supports both food security and economic resilience. As Sri Lanka prepares to transition to an ad valorem tax regime for edible oils in 2026, downstream manufacturers caution that delayed policy reform could have lasting consequences for the industry. Restoring access to CPO and enabling responsible oil palm cultivation could revive Sri Lanka’s downstream sector and strengthen its role in the regional edible oils market.

Market Outlook

Palm Oil Tribune

Event Summary

Nutrition Satellite Symposium 2025: Advancing Science-Based Palm Oil Nutrition

Signing of 11 memoranda of agreement (MoA) between MPOB and six leading research institutions: Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Monash University Malaysia, and Cancer Research Malaysia.

The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) successfully hosted the Nutrition Satellite Symposium at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). Themed “Empowering Palm Oil Nutrition Today for a Healthier Tomorrow”, the symposium aimed to dispel public misconceptions about palm oil. The symposium programme included sessions on ‘Lipid Nutrition’, exploring dietary fats and cardiometabolic health, and ‘Diet, Lifestyle and Phytonutrients’, presenting emerging research on red palm oil and tocotrienols in gut health, disease prevention, and overall wellbeing. The day concluded with the Nutrition Forum, a panel discussion on leveraging palm oil nutrition to shape healthier lifestyles and sustainable food systems. Datuk Dr. Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir, MPOB Director General, underscored the role of palm oil nutrition in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “Science is the bridge between agricommodity and human wellbeing,” he said. “Through collaborative research with leading universities, research institutions, and government agencies, we are translating discoveries in palm-based nutrition into functional food products that promote health and sustainability.” The event also marked the signing of 11 memoranda of agreement (MoA) between MPOB and six leading research institutions. These agreements formalise collaborations on clinical and functional research projects, including studies on wound healing, cancer prevention, organ protection, metabolic health, and exercise performance, expanding Malaysia’s global footprint in palm-based nutrition science.

Event Summary

Palm Oil Tribune

In his officiating speech, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Plantation and Commodities, represented by Dato’ Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof, Secretary General of KPK, emphasised the importance of evidence-based research and clear communication to enhance public understanding of palm oil. He highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to collaboration and shared progress, inviting international partners, investors, and the scientific community to engage in research, innovation, and sustainable practices. Johari stressed that a focus on health, transparency, and sustainability would strengthen global nutrition science, expand markets, support smallholders, and deliver positive outcomes for communities both locally and globally. Significant research highlights included the PEACE Study, a large-scale epidemiological project in partnership with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia examining the impact of palm oil on inflammation, cardiometabolic health, microbiome, and nutrigenomics. Attendees also discussed the translation of scientific findings into functional foods enriched with tocotrienols and carotenoids, underscoring palm oil’s potential to contribute to health, sustainability, and food security. The Nutrition Satellite Symposium 2025 reaffirmed Malaysia’s leadership in science-based palm oil nutrition, reinforcing the country’s commitment to evidence-driven dietary guidance, global partnerships, and sustainable food innovation.

Malaysia to Introduce Red Palm Oil in School Meals to Fight Child Malnutrition Malaysia is taking a national lead in linking palm oil to improved community nutrition. The Special Meeting of the National Nutrition Council (MKMPK-18), chaired by the Health Minister, endorsed the use of red palm oil (RPO) and RPO-based biscuits for children on an optional basis, prioritising undernourished and vulnerable groups. Two key strategies were approved: incorporating RPO into school, hospital, and preschool meals, and distributing RPO-based biscuits through relevant agencies. This initiative highlights successful collaboration between the industry, research institutions, and government ministries, demonstrating the real-world impact of palm oil on public health. Johari’s statement was delivered by Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof during the Nutrition Satellite Symposium.

PIPOC 2025 Best Booth Award: Novonesis Showcases Global Biosolutions At the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) International Palm Oil Congress and Exhibition (PIPOC 2025) biosolutions leader Novonesis delivered a standout presence marked by strong visitor engagement, award-winning exhibition design, and substantive discussions on sustainability, innovation, and the future of biosolutions in Malaysia’s palm oil ecosystem. The booth featured a display of customer products using biosolutions, including Medium-chain Triglycerides (MCT) oils incorporated into local coffee. globally. Novonesis biosolutions empowers customers to maximise the value of palm oil feedstock by converting it into high-quality palm-based additives and nutritional supplements. Their innovative biosolutions help customers repurpose palm oil refining by-products into valuable biodiesel feedstock, ensuring optimal resource use and maximum value creation.

Palm Oil Tribune

Nutrition Corner

Red Palm Oil for Diabetes-Friendly Nutrition As global consumers increasingly turn toward functional ingredients supported by scientific validation, discussions at the MPOB International Palm Oil Congress (PIPOC) 2025 highlighted growing interest in red palm oil as part of diabetes-friendly nutrition strategies. Red palm oil has gained attention due to its naturally occurring carotenoids and tocotrienols, which differentiate it from conventionally refined edible oils. These components have positioned red palm oil as a functional ingredient rather than a standard cooking oil, particularly in diets focused on metabolic health. Demand for diabetes-friendly nutrition is growing rapidly across Asia, driven by consumers managing obesity, seeking sustained energy, or following dietary trends such as Bulletproof Coffee. In this context, red palm oil, with its carotenoids and tocotrienols, is increasingly viewed as an ingredient that offers more than just caloric value. Speaking at PIPOC 2025, Steven JJ Lee highlighted one practical application: moderating the glycaemic spike associated with rice consumption, a major concern for many Malaysians. He noted that red palm oil may help reduce sugar spikes, making it an appealing addition for individuals mindful of blood glucose management. This aligns with the region’s rising focus on metabolic health, extending red palm oil’s relevance from household use to broader nutritional applications.

On the international stage, discussions around palm-based food products have often been shaped by misinformation, particularly in the European Union and parts of the Middle East. However, Lee observed early signs of a shift, citing emerging food guidelines in the United States and a growing emphasis on evidence-based nutrition. From a market perspective, Malaysia remains the primary base for current adoption, while Southeast Asia is viewed as a key expansion region due to rising lifestyle-related health concerns and growing awareness of functional ingredients. Education and information-sharing, including through public platforms, are increasingly used by industry players to address misconceptions and explain the role of red palm oil in everyday diets. The discussions at PIPOC 2025 reflect a broader transition within the palm oil sector, illustrating how Malaysia’s palm-based research, industry leadership, and nutraceutical capability can converge to address evolving health priorities. As global demand for diabetes-friendly nutrition grows, red palm oil is increasingly positioned as one of Malaysia’s potential contributions to the future of functional food science.

Market Outlook

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Knowledge Nuggets

The Secret Life of Palm Oil: A Layman’s Chemistry Tour

By Joseph Tek Choon Yee

I have

long harboured a quiet ambition: to unwrap the chemistry of palm oil in a way that everyone - yes, even those who still twitch at the memory of school lab coats - can enjoy. After years of saying “one day,” I finally sat down, rolled up my sleeves, and here it is: palm oil chemistry served sunny-side up. The spark for this journey came from a fellow palm-oil warrior, chemical engineer Ir. Ng Say Bock, whose delightful MPOC classic Understanding Palm Oil first appeared nearly twenty years ago. His work was born during an era when the Malaysian industry introduced a new quality parameter—the Deterioration of Bleachability Index, better known as DOBI. And no, despite its name, DOBI is not the new miracle detergent guaranteed to whiten your ‘baju sekolah’. Though, frankly, it sounds like it should be. Back then, many in the industry found themselves wrestling with heavy technical jargon. Nearly two decades later, the wrestle remains. What continues to baffle me is this: Why hasn’t the industry consistently dusted off, updated, or reprinted good, simple, accessible reference materials for the public? Every year, a fresh crop of Gen Alpha kiddos arrive - curious, plugged-in, and eager to understand the world behind their food, fuel and favourite snacks. Why not give them the tools to appreciate one of the world’s most important edible oils? So here I am, picking up the baton, giving the classic train analogy a fresh coat of paint… plus a full American-football Dream Team makeover. Because if we’re going to talk chemistry, why not make it entertaining enough to compete with Netflix? Why the theatrics, you ask? Because palm oil chemistry should feel like a joyful ride on a choo-choo train smooth, simple, and entirely derailment-free. What our industry needs are more storytellers: communicators who can turn complex science into a story worth sharing, who can cut through the noise, lift the fog, and celebrate palm oil with clarity and charm. And yes, that requires time, heart, creativity, and the willingness to let ideas sizzle on the pan until they stick just like palm oil on a hot wok. So, dear reader, buckle up. Welcome to your Palm Oil Chemistry Safari - a journey as smooth as palm olein and as thrilling as frying banana fritters at full flame. Here, science and simplicity shake hands, jargon politely steps aside, and chemistry doesn’t just shine…

Knowledge Nuggets

Palm Oil Tribune

Chemistry 101: Meet CHO - The Power Trio That Runs Your World Welcome to Chemistry 101, where we peel back the curtain on the magic of matter and the molecular choreography that keeps life humming. Think of chemistry as the universe’s ultimate matchmaker - introducing atoms, sparking relationships, and watching them bond into everything from clouds in the sky to cookies in your oven. Every breath you take (O2), every sip of water (H2O), every crunchy bite fried in palm oil - chemistry is the quiet architect behind the scenes. And at the heart of this grand design stand three superstar atoms: Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O) - the legendary CHO trio. These three form the backbone of life, teaming up in countless combinations to build carbohydrates, fats, proteins - and essentially, you. If atoms had celebrity rankings, CHO would grace every billboard in Times Square.

Carbon bonds with nearly anything that moves (and plenty that doesn’t). Chains, rings, lattices - carbon builds them all. It’s the social butterfly of the atomic kingdom. Without carbon, life would be nothing but a lonely blank page.

Hydrogen may be the tiniest atom on the periodic table, but don’t let its size fool you. It’s pure energetic punch - stabilising molecules, powering reactions, and forming water. Think of hydrogen as the spark plug of existence.

Oxygen is the drama queen of the trio - in all the best ways. It fuels your morning jog, lights your kitchen stove, and breathes fire into chemical reactions. Without oxygen, nothing burns, nothing breathes, and nothing thrives.

Carbon (C):

Hydrogen (H):

Oxygen (O):

Charismatic Captain

Small But Mighty

Together, these three atoms assemble themselves into the molecules that make life possible - glucose to fuel your cells, fats to fry your banana fritters, drinks to quench your thirst. They are nature’s most versatile construction team. So the next time someone mentions C-H-O, don’t picture a boring chemistry formula. Picture a world-touring rock band, churning out hit after molecular hit, keeping the rhythm of life alive and reminding us that science - when told right - can be as cool as it is essential.

The Breath of Life

Building Blocks of Palm Oil So, what exactly is palm oil made of? Let’s peel back the golden layers and zoom into its inner universe - where chemistry quietly works overtime to make your curry fragrant, your cookies crisp, and your lipstick glide like a dream. Don’t worry, this won’t be a chemistry class that traumatises you with flashbacks of Form Five. We’re breaking things down into the sort of tasty, bite-sized nuggets you could snack on—preferably fried in palm oil.

Palm Oil Tribune

Knowledge Nuggets

Triglycerides: Palm Oil’s LEGO Bricks If a palm oil molecule were a wall, triglycerides would be the bricks. But instead of cement and sand, these bricks are crafted from atoms of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O)—the same trio that keeps life moving, breathing, and occasionally overeating. Now here comes the fun visual: A triglyceride is shaped like a giant “E”-shaped LEGO block. • The vertical spine? Glycerol, the backbone. • The three horizontal arms? Fatty acids, hanging on like energetic kids on monkey bars. And why “tri-glyceride”? Simple - tri = three, and glyceride = the glycerol-and-fatty-acid combo Put them together and voilà! A molecule with three dancing sidekick arms. These triglycerides are the smallest units of palm oil that still behave like palm oil - whether you’re spreading margarine, frying pisang goreng, or applying moisturiser before your Zoom call.

Fatty Acids: Palm Oil’s Train System on a Chemical Adventure Now, picture the fatty acids as trains running along a carbon “track.” Each “carriage” (carbon atom) has two seats reserved just for hydrogen passengers. Whether those seats are filled or empty determines palm oil’s behaviour. Let’s board the 3 main trains:

Knowledge Nuggets

Palm Oil Tribune

SATURATED FATTY ACIDS

1. Saturated Fatty Acids: The Fully Booked Train Imagine the ETS on balik kampung weekend - not a single seat empty. That’s a saturated fatty acid. Every hydrogen seat is filled. Because the train is completely booked: The structure is stable and solid. The molecule is sturdy and predictable. Example: Stearic acid (C18:0) - the dependable uncle of the palm oil family who always shows up early, keeps things firm, and never grows mouldy. Why it matters: These “solid citizens” give margarine its firmness and your favourite chocolate that satisfying snap.

UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS

2. Monounsaturated Fatty Acids: The Train With One Empty Seat Here, only one seat along the entire train is empty - enough to give the molecule a bit of swing, but not enough to make it misbehave. Example: Oleic acid (C18:1) - the Goldilocks of fats. Not too stiff, not too loose… just right. Why it matters: These fats offer balance, versatility, and stability. They’re the laid-back cousins who adapt to anything frying pans, salad dressings, energy bars - you name it.

3. Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: The Party Train With Many Empty Seats Now this is a festive train - plenty of empty seats, open windows, and lots of places for troublemakers to jump in. Examples: Linoleic acid (C18:2) and Linolenic acid (C18:3) These acids are nutritionally important, but all those empty seats make them: highly reactive, vulnerable to oxidation and occasionally drama-prone. Oxidation, in fatty-acid language, is basically oxygen gate-crashing the train party and ruining the snacks. This leads to… Rancidity: The oil “turns bad,” smelling like old nuts and tasting like sadness. Light, heat, and air make oxidation worse - just like humidity ruins hair. Putting It Together: A Symphony of Trains So inside every drop of palm oil, thousands of these “chemical trains” run side by side: The fully booked ones (saturated fats) bring stability. The one-seat-empty ones (monounsaturated fats) bring flexibility. The party trains (polyunsaturated fats) bring nutritional flair but need careful handling. And all of them are linked to that “E-shaped” glycerol spine, forming the brilliant triglyceride molecules that make palm oil one of nature’s most versatile creations.

Knowledge Nuggets

Palm Oil Tribune

Oil Versus Fat: The Great Temperature Tango Whether palm oil behaves as a smooth golden liquid or a firm, creamy fat all comes down to a simple dance move TEMPERATURE. More specifically, how its fatty acids respond to it. At around 20°C, the stage splits into two performers:

Liquid oils These are the smooth, graceful dancers - full of unsaturated fatty acids that glide through the bowl like ballroom champions. Always ready to swirl, pour, drizzle or fry.

Solid fats These are the sturdy, grounded performers. Saturated fatty acids “lock arms” tightly, forming a firm structure that refuses to budge - like trains that brake and come to a confident, resolute stop.

This dual personality is exactly why palm oil is the James Bond of the fat world. Whether shaken or stirred, cold or hot, it adapts effortlessly to the mission at hand. Its unique fatty acid composition lets it shapeshift between solid and liquid with the elegance of a seasoned spy slipping into yet another flawless disguise. When the recipe calls for solidity - like in margarine, shortening or that perfect flaky pastry - palm oil calmly steps into its firm, dependable role. Saturated fatty acids take centre stage, and presto: a beautifully structured, spreadable fat. But when the wok heats up or the fryer beckons, palm oil switches personas with the swagger of a cinematic shapeshifter. Its unsaturated fatty acids loosen up, allowing the oil to flow freely and coat every noodle, potato or banana fritter to golden perfection. In short: palm oil is your kitchen’s underrated hero, the master of molecular flexibility. One moment it’s a solid block keeping your pastry crisp; the next, it’s a smooth liquid sealing in the crunch of your fried chicken. No chemical tinkering. No industrial trickery. Just nature doing what nature does best. Palm oil adapts. Palm oil delivers. Palm oil gets the job done. And here’s the real plot twist - this remarkable versatility is 100% natural. It’s no wonder you’ll find palm oil everywhere from your crispy fries to your creamy spreads. It’s the culinary world’s quiet shape-shifter, dancing gracefully between states, always ready for its next role on your plate.

Palm Oil’s Triglyceride Team: Where Chemistry Meets the Championship If palm oil had its own sports league, its star squad would be the legendary Triglyceride Team - a powerhouse American football franchise with enough chemistry to make any coach weep with joy. Like any great football outfit, this team is built on two mighty platoons: the rock-solid Saturated Defense and the slick Unsaturated Offense. Together, they don’t just play the game - they define it.

Knowledge Nuggets

Palm Oil Tribune

The Saturated Fats Platoon: The Iron Wall Defense Meet the defenders. Tough. Unyielding. Absolutely immovable at room temperature. These guys are the linebackers and defensive tackles of palm oil - brutally effective and gloriously predictable. They lock in stability, hold their shape, and refuse to be bullied by temperature swings. Their molecular rigidity is the chemical equivalent of a defensive line that simply does not break. Need a firm margarine? A stable shortening? A fat that won’t go wobbly when the heat’s off? Call in the Saturated Platoon. They’ll hold the line.

The Unsaturated Fats Platoon: The Smooth, Slippery Offense On the other side of the field, the Unsaturated Platoon runs the show with all the grace of elite playmakers. These are your quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs - fast, flexible and always ready to improvise. Liquid at room temperature, they zip, slip, glide and adapt. They dribble. They dodge. They dance. They are the reason palm oil can swing from frying oil to baking ingredient without losing its cool. They bring fluidity, versatility and that unmistakable golden flow.

But Here’s the Plot Twist: It’s NOT Offense vs Defense Unlike real football teams that occasionally quarrel (and occasionally throw helmets), Palm Oil’s Triglyceride Team operates in perfect harmony. No egos. No locker-room politics. Just pure chemistry at its finest. The Saturated Fats give the team structure. The Unsaturated Fats bring agility and finesse. Together, they create a fat profile that is stable and versatile - firm when necessary, fluid when needed, and brilliant at both. The secret sauce? Balance. This is teamwork not just at championship level, but at molecular level.

The Real Playmakers: Fatty Acids Now, remember that earlier “E-shaped LEGO piece”—the triglyceride? The fatty acids are the three “arms” of that structure, and they’re the true stars of the team. Each fatty acid comes with: • • •

its own carbon “jersey number,” its own preferred position on the glycerol “spine,” and its own special influence on whether palm oil stands tall like a block or flows like golden silk.

Their positioning is so crucial that it’s almost like a game of musical chairs, where whichever fatty acid sits where determines whether your oil behaves like butter or behaves like broth. One wrong seat, and the game changes. One right seat, and you get that perfect palm oil equilibrium we’ve grown to love.

Meet the Squad of Nine Palm oil’s fatty acid roster isn’t just functional - it’s colourful, quirky and packed with personality. Each player brings something unique to the field, and together they make up the world’s most versatile edible oil. (Some wear long carbon chains. Some wear short ones. Some come with single-bond cleats; others sport flashy double-bond sneakers.) But no matter the chain length or bond style, every single one knows its role and plays it with commitment. That’s how palm oil maintains its remarkable balance - a rich harmony of defenders and attackers, solidity and flow, strength and finesse. Palm oil doesn’t just have a team. Palm oil is the team. And chemistry has never had a more exciting championship roster.

Knowledge Nuggets

Palm Oil Tribune

Saturated Fats Players: The Stalwart Defenders When palm oil needs strength, structure, and stability, these are the players holding the fort. Firm at room temperature and unshakeable under pressure, the Saturated Platoon forms the defensive wall that keeps everything rock-solid. Here’s the defensive lineup, sorted by carbon “jersey numbers”:

C12:0 – Lauric Acid (0.3%)

The small but spirited rookie - present in tiny amounts but still part of the crew.

C14:0 – Myristic Acid (1.1%)

The nimble defender - quick, light, and reliable.

C16:0 – Palmitic Acid (43.5%)

The captain. The anchor. The defensive general commanding nearly half the entire team. Palmitic is the molecule that keeps the line firm and unmoving - your biochemical Virgil van Dijk.

C18:0 – Stearic Acid (4.3%)

The strong, silent type - steady, dependable, and excellent at maintaining formation.

C20:0 – Arachidic Acid (0.2%)

The veteran at the far end of the carbon chain - low in number but valuable for structure.

To remember this defensive squad, there’s a playful mnemonic: LMPSA - “Lazy Monkeys Play Silly Antics.” (Copyright by the author - but free for the world to enjoy!)

Unsaturated Fats Players: The Agile Offense If the Saturated Platoon is the defensive wall, the Unsaturated Platoon is the attacking artistry - fast, fluid, adaptable, and always ready to score. These fats stay liquid at room temperature, giving palm oil its signature versatility. Here’s the offensive roster:

C16:1 – Palmitoleic Acid (0.2%)

The nimble dribbler, darting lightly between the defenders.

C18:1 – Oleic Acid (39.8%)

The superstar midfielder—the Lionel Messi of the lipid world. At almost 40%, Oleic orchestrates the entire offense with grace, balance, and uncanny adaptability.

C18:2 – Linoleic Acid (10.2%)

The double-bonded winger—a creative, energetic free-spirit zooming down the flank with flair.

C18:3 – Linolenic Acid (0.3%)

The triple-bonded wildcard—unpredictable, lively, and always ready to pull off a surprise move.

To remember this dynamic offensive squad, try the mnemonic: POLL - “Please Offer Lovely Lipids.” Simple, cheerful, and surprisingly accurate.

Knowledge Nuggets

Palm Oil Tribune

Synergy Success of Palm Oil If there is one thing palm oil teaches us, it is this: chemistry is at its best when teamwork makes the molecules work. Palm oil’s brilliance lies not in any single fatty acid, but in the perfect choreography between its players - its Saturated Defenders and Unsaturated Playmakers - each bringing their own flair to the field. Together, they form the Triglyceride Dream Team, a molecular squad so balanced and dependable that even top coaches would trade their clipboards for a sample bottle. But the magic doesn’t end on the football field. Remember our earlier train analogy? Palm oil doesn’t just have the best team - it also runs the best railway. The Saturated Fats are the fully booked trains: sturdy, predictable, and ready to deliver structural stability on schedule. The Unsaturated Fats are the sleek express trains with a few empty seats: agile, adaptable, and always ready to glide into action with effortless fluidity. And when both trains run on time? When both teams show up in formation? You get synergy - pure, golden, kitchen-tested synergy. Palm oil becomes the rare ingredient that can both stand firm like a defensive line and flow gracefully like a first-class express train. It fries your banana fritters with a crisp you can hear, yet also molds effortlessly into margarine with the reliability of a championship playbook. This dual mastery - structure plus flexibility, stability plus agility - is what makes palm oil an all-star not just in frying pans but in food factories, bakeries, cosmetics, energy applications and more. In a world where versatility rules, palm oil doesn’t just meet expectations. It outruns them, outplays them, and out-rails them. Because when your chemistry combines the discipline of a train yard and the swagger of a football champion, success isn’t just possible - it’s inevitable, edible and utterly unstoppable. Ladies and gentlemen, that is the secret life of palm oil: A railway of molecules. A championship team. A synergy so elegant even chemistry textbooks should take notes. Palm oil - where the trains run smooth, the team plays strong, and the chemistry always wins.