WHAT IS PALM OIL?

• Palm oil is obtained from the fruit of the African oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis).
• African Oil palms originated in West Africa, but can flourish wherever heat and rainfall are abundant.  The majority of palm oil is grown and produced in Borneo and Sumatra; it is an introduced agricultural crop.
• It is the world's most widely produced oil, now overtaking soybean oil.
• It is used in many food, cosmetic and hygiene products.
• More information is available for download in our palm oil fact sheet.