The Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA), a non-profit organisation representing palm oil-consuming countries, has raised concerns over Hindustan Unilever Ltd’s (HUL) reported plans to reduce palm oil content in its soaps by 25 per cent.
In a letter to HUL’s CEO and Managing Director Rohit Jawa, APOA Chairman Atul Chaturvedi warned that the proposed move could undermine global efforts to secure the livelihoods of millions of palm oil farmers, particularly smallholders.
While acknowledging that palm oil prices have risen due to increased input costs, Chaturvedi argued that singling out palm oil for criticism is “unfair and uncalled for” as prices are influenced by demand and supply factors, similar to other edible oils like soya and sunflower.
The palm oil body urged HUL to reconsider its decision and stated that replacing palm oil with cheaper alternatives could have serious implications for palm oil farmers worldwide.
“Replacing palm oil with cheaper substitutes undermines global efforts to secure living wages for workers and incomes for farmers,” the letter said.
