EU Commission to debate ‘phase out’ of palm oil in biofuels

The long running controversy regarding palm oil is coming to a climax, with members of the European Parliament (MEPs) set to debate a report calling on the European Commission to phase out palm oil in biofuels. The controversial report also calls for a single certification scheme for the commodity to enter the EU market.

Czech GUE (Confederal Group of the European United Left) member Katerina Konecná put forward the report which is set to be debated. It calls on the EU to strengthen environmental measures to prevent palm oil-related deforestation, and phase out by 2020 use of palm oil as a component of biodiesel. The report also suggests that products should be certified for the socially responsible origin of their palm oil.

Extensively used in food and cosmetics as well as biofuels, the sustainability of palm oil has been causing controversy in recent months. Critics say that production of the cheap vegetable oil results in deforestation, loss of natural habitats and greenhouse gas emissions. The issue is one that has been under scrutiny from European politicians for a while.

“[the] EU is the second biggest palm oil consumer in the world. Although it is trying to become the most important player regarding how to limit its consumption,” said Konecná in an interview with Food Ingredients First.

MEPs have previously advocated a gradual phase out of the use of vegetable oils in biofuels by 2020, and the adoption of a single certification for Palm Oil entering the EU market. The text was adopted with 56 votes to 1 during a previous session in March.