One person’s choice to enact change is like lighting a candle in a lightless room. While a single flame won’t brighten an entire space, it interrupts the darkness everyone is accustomed to. Transforming into a torch, it encourages others to ignite their own flames. As everyone’s wick begins to burn, each individual candle—though small on its own—combines to illuminate the entire area, and the cold and dark space is filled with a warmth and brightness that once seemed impossible.
In an industry where some suppliers are comfortable with negligence in their supply chains, Jedwards remains competitive without sacrificing integrity. This is why we are proud partners of Natural Habitats USA, founders of the Palm Done Right campaign.
By purchasing Palm Done Right products, you support ethical and sustainable production of palm oil for a better and brighter future in the palm oil industry. In recognition of this, customers that order Jedwards’ sustainable palm products (Palm Fruit Oil – Organic RSPO IP S1371, Palm Kernel Oil – Organic RSPO IP S1391, Palm Kernel Oil – RBD RSPO MB S1396 & Palm Oil Stearin – Organic RSPO IP S1381) are encouraged to request a complementary Palm Done Right Candle. If you place an online order for any of of the products listed above and would like a Palm Done Right candle, please include an order comment note. Limited supply of candles so be sure to request yours quickly! All candles will be shipped via USPS separately from orders, please allow 1-3 business days from the date of order to receive the tracking for your complimentary gift.
Who is Natural Habitats USA?
Natural Habitats USA is a company that focuses on environmental stewardship, sustainable palm oil production, and fairly traded products. They were founded in 2009 and implement a vertically integrated supply chain which allows oversight on every level to ensure organic, preservation-oriented farming practices. They work with independent farmers in Ecuador and support the formation of farmers’ unions, as well as the workers’ unions where palm is milled.
What is the Palm Done Right Campaign?
The Palm Done Right initiative was launched as a response to harmful practices resulting in negative impacts on the environment, communities, and animals where palm is farmed within the industry. The primary mission of this movement is to raise awareness of the importance of organic palm production using sustainable and ethical methods.
Demand for palm oil has been consistently high, as it is included in over 50% of consumer goods and is not going away anytime soon. Palm Done Right ensures accountability and traceability at every level through the Forest Conservation Policy, internal & third-party audits, 100% organic agricultural practices, fair wages to farmers, and crop management that secures species diversity of local flora & fauna.
Conscious consumers who choose products made with palm oils sourced from palm done right partners vote with their dollar for an industry that is accountable when it comes to each step of the production process. Palm Done Right expands the path toward continued innovation and support for balancing the needs of an ever-demanding industry with the goal of maximizing environmental protection and non-exploitation.
What is RSPO and How does it relate to Palm Done Right?
Roundtable on Sustainable Palm oil, also known as RSPO, is a global, non-profit organization centered around creating a network of stakeholders across the palm oil industry to develop and implement a global set of standards for sustainable, ethical palm oil production.
RSPO certification is tightly regulated and outlines clear and specific non-negotiable compliance requirements, including audits. One of many prerequisites for certification, RSPO requires credible sustainability (as modeled by the International Social and Environmental Accreditation and Labelling Alliance) with notable emphasis on impartiality as well as educational, sociocultural, and experience-based competency when it comes to audits/auditors.
While the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil and the Palm Done Right initiatives share the common goal of advancing sustainable palm oil practices, each operate through different mechanisms. Palm Done Right differentiates itself by promoting regenerative agriculture practices.
To learn more about RSPO, click here.
To learn more about Palm Done Right, click here.
What is the difference between Palm Fruit Oil, Palm Kernel Oil & Palm Oil Stearin?
Palm Fruit Oil is extracted from the fleshy part of the oil palm fruit. It is reddish orange in color due to its high beta-carotene and lycopene content and contains a fair balance of saturated and unsaturated fats. Since it is high in unsaturated fats, it feels lighter on the skin than coconut oil for instance (which has a greater ratio of saturated to unsaturated fats) and performs well as a non-greasy emollient in lotions and moisturizers. Palm fruit oil has a semi-liquid, creamy texture at room temperature and is also often used in baked goods, though it has an incredibly high smoke point which makes it ideal for frying.
Palm Kernel Oil is extracted from the kernels of the oil palm fruit. It is a white to off-white colored oil that is higher in saturated fats as compared to palm fruit oil but has a similar melting point and consistency. Its high saturated fat content makes it great for cosmetic use, as saturated fats (such as lauric and palmitic acid) extend shelf life. It is an extremely popular ingredient in soaps and shampoos due to its texture enhancing properties and ability to produce a stable lather. It is likewise good for frying and has the added benefit of a neutral taste and smell. Palm Kernel Oil – RBD which is refined, bleached, and deodorized is even more neutral with respect to color, smell and taste. In contrast to non-RBD varieties, it is fully liquid at room temperature.
Palm Oil Stearin is the solid portion that results after the fractionation (heating, cooling, crystallization, separation and reheating) of palm fruit oil. The reason it is solid is due to its crystal structure and high saturated fat content—particularly of long-chain saturated fatty acids like palmitic acid and stearic acid. Along with its many benefits to the skin, it adds structural integrity to lipsticks, deodorants and bar-soaps. It has a lower smoke point than palm fruit and palm kernel oils, so while it would not be the first choice for frying it is still suitable for high temperature cooking. It is a key ingredient in vegan alternatives to traditional butter.
Credits
Contributing Authors: Rachel Watts & Alexandra Boehme
