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.