In 2026, the shift is driven by a clear demand – customers want reliable supply, smarter innovation, and stronger sustainability credentials.

From AI-powered plantations and new food textures to renewable fuels and regenerative farming, change is redefining how grow, eat, and power our lives.

At Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, we’re moving with these trends and helping customers stay ahead of them with solutions that bring performance, quality, and sustainability together.

AI in the fields: From analysis to action

Customers increasingly expect partners who can deliver efficiency and consistency, backed by technology. That’s why AI is reshaping how crops are managed. What once took hours of manual checks can now be tracked and improved in real time.

At Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, AI supports faster, smarter decisions in the field. Through Smart Step Harvesting, we track harvester movement across plantations on digital maps. Missed areas are flagged instantly, allowing teams to step in before fruit is lost. Supervision has shifted from reactive to proactive, and that means more reliable output for our customers.

We’re also raising quality standards with AI-powered fruit grading. Harvesters use mobile devices to assess ripeness, ensuring only mature, high-quality fruit enters the mill.

“These tools don’t just make work faster; they make it smarter,” says Rudy P. Napitupulu, Head of Operations Transformation Division. “They help our teams focus on what matters most: getting better results together.”

Mouthfeel makes the difference

In food manufacturing, quality now means more than flavour. Customers want products that balance indulgence, health, and clean-label appeal without losing that “feel-good” factor.

Texture has become the bridge between enjoyment and trust. It’s what makes a chocolate melt smoothly or a topping taste creamy without dairy.

Our palm-based specialty fats help food producers achieve this balance. In chocolate, they create a sharp snap and smooth melt. In creamers and toppings, they build body and silkiness. In ice cream, they bring long-lasting creaminess that stays consistent that stays consistent even after reformulation.

“We design each fat to balance functionality with sensory delight,” says Mochammad Hirza Nadia, Fat-Based Product Senior Technologist at Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food. “Whether it’s a cocoa butter substitute that melts perfectly, or a milk fat replacer that adds creamy depth, the goal is to help our customers deliver foods that people love.”

For food brands, consumer satisfaction drives loyalty. For us, that means engineering ingredients that make every product stand out.

Plant-based ingredients move beyond the plate

Customers today are broadening their portfolios beyond food. Personal care and cosmetic brands are moving towards plant-based ingredients that perform well, feel good, and come from traceable, renewable sources.

Palm-derived oleochemicals support this shift. We supplies fatty acids, glycerine, and soap noodles made from renewable feedstocks, giving formulators the consistency, purity, and performance, they look for when creating beauty, hygiene, and household products. These ingredients help improve texture, stability, and mildness, while meeting rising expectations for sustainability and responsible sourcing.

“Formulators no longer choose between natural and effective,” says Christopher Lee, Head of Sales and Marketing for Oleochemicals at GAR. “They want both. That’s where our oleochemicals stand out – reliable in quality, adaptable for different applications, and backed by responsible production.”

Biofuels keep gaining ground

In 2026, energy customers are under growing pressure to meet climate targets and cut carbon intensity. Many are turning to renewable fuels that can scale fast – and palm-based biofuels are part of that answer.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) expects global demand to rise nearly 30% by 2028. In Indonesia, the B40 mandate, requiring diesel to contain 40% biodiesel, shows how a focus on renewable feedstocks can strengthen both economy and energy security.

“Biofuel is about more than green energy,” says Hariyadi Imam Santoso, General Manager for Biodiesel Commercial at Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food. “For Indonesia, it’s about energy security and building something sustainable with what we have.”

Our two biodiesel plants in Java and South Kalimantan produce over one million tonnes of fuel each year. By refining Crude Palm Oil into Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME), we create renewable fuel that cuts lifecycle emissions by up to 60% compared to fossil diesel.

Climate-friendly farming becomes standard

Across industries, customers are demanding supply chains that are measurable, low-carbon, and transparent. Climate-smart agriculture has become the new baseline.

At Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, we see this as both duty and differentiator. Our Net Zero Roadmap commits to cutting FLAG emissions by 30% and achieving net zero by 2050.

We’re restoring peatlands, protecting 79,000 hectares of conservation areas, and expanding renewable energy use. 92% of our upstream energy already comes from renewables, mainly biomass. By using by-products like palm kernel shells, expeller, and fibre to power boilers, and capturing methane from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), we turn waste into clean energy.

Beyond our operations, we work with suppliers to measure emissions, verify NDPE compliance, and co-develop reduction plans. Through Sawit Terampil, we train smallholders to grow more with fewer inputs, showing that sustainable farming can boost both productivity and livelihoods.

“We operate in one of the most climate-vulnerable sectors, but that also gives us the chance to lead,” says Anita Neville, Chief Sustainability & Communications Officer. “Sustainability is how we build resilience and secure the future of farming.”

Regenerative agriculture is taking root

Regenerative agriculture is growing fast as customers and investors look for tangible ecosystem impact. The idea is simple: farm in ways that restore the land, protect biodiversity, and strengthen communities.

In palm oil, regeneration builds on what already woks. For years, plantations have applied Good Agriculture Practices, from careful soil and water management to natural pest control. These efforts already deliver outcomes that regenerative farming aims for: healthy soils, resilient yields, and thriving ecosystems.

The focus now is on outcomes. Regenerative agriculture measures success through living soil, cleaner water, and stronger livelihoods. Collaboration is key – aligning growers, buyers, and communities together to align goals and scale impact.

The palm sector is well placed to lead, with decades of partnerships among producers, NGOs, and governments.

At Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, we’re working with partners to develop solutions for palm landscapes – from intercropping and biomass recycling to peat and water management. For customers, that means sourcing from a supply chain that gives back more than it takes.

Explore how Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food is turning global trends into tangible progress. See how our sustainable approach connects technology, nature, and people for a better tomorrow.

The post Six trends transforming agriculture, food, and energy in 2026 appeared first on PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology Tbk (PT SMART Tbk).

But here’s the challenge: not all PKS makes the cut.

Moisture levels, size, and sorting all play a role in whether PKS burns effectively or goes to waste. One wrong step, and its energy potential drops.

Do you have what it takes to transform PKS into a high-performance biofuel? Your decisions will determine whether it becomes a powerful energy source or a lost opportunity.

Let’s get started!

Stage 1: Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFBs) arrive at the mill

The journey begins at the plantation, where FFBs are harvested and sent to the mill. Time is of the essence in this process. To preserve their quality and oil content, these bunches must be processed within 24 hours.

Check out how we deliver FFBs to the mills within 24 hours:

What’s the best next step?

Stage 2: Cracking open the potential

After the fleshy mesocarp is pressed to extract Crude Palm Oil (CPO), the remaining nuts are separated and sent to nutcracker machine. Here, the machine cracks the nuts, separating the palm kernels from the shells. Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) is then recovered as a valuable byproduct.

How should PKS be handled next?

Stage 3: Screening for quality and safety

After cracking, Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) must be screened to remove unwanted materials. This involves using metal detectors and screening equipment to eliminate metals, rocks, plastics, and other impurities before the PKS is stored or used.

What’s the best approach to screening PKS?

Stage 4: Storage and transportation

After screening and drying, it’s important to maintain the quality of PKS before it reaches biomass facilities. But how it should be stored to avoid moisture and contamination?

How should PKS be stored?

The post Choose your path: The journey of Palm Kernel Shells (PKS) from waste to bioenergy appeared first on PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology Tbk (PT SMART Tbk).

As climate concerns mount and the world seeks alternative to fossil fuels, biofuel – especially palm-based biofuel – is gaining attention. It’s renewable, scalable, and already widely adopted in Indonesia through national blending mandates like B40.

So, how exactly is biofuel made from palm oil? What makes it different from fossil fuel – and what challenges remain? Let’s break it down.

What is biofuel? Understanding renewable energy solutions

Biofuel is a type of fuel made from organic materials – typically crops, agricultural waste, or used cooking oil. “Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and take millions of years to form, biofuels can be produced, refined, and used on a sustainable cycle,” explains Hariyadi.

Palm oil plays a central role in first-generation biofuels due to its high oil yield per hectare, making it more land-efficient compared to other crops.

How is palm oil used to produce biofuel?

“Making biodiesel is a bit like refining cooking oil, but with different chemistry involved. We use a process called transesterification,” says Hariyadi. This chemical reaction involves mixing CPO with an alcohol (typically methanol) in the presence of a catalyst. This results in Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) – the chemical name for biodiesel – and glycerin as a byproduct.

Simply put: Vegetable oil/animal waste + alcohols (methanol/ethanol) = Biodiesel and Glycerin.

Watch the following video to gain a visual understanding and step-by-step journey from palm oil to biodiesel:

The benefits of palm-based biofuel

Palm biofuel offers several advantages – both environmental and economic.

• Emissions
• Yield
• Scalability
• Waste-to-energy potential
• Energy Security
• Economic Opportunities

Lower net greenhouse gas emissions

While combustion emissions are similar to fossil fuel, the palm biofuel generates lower net greenhouse gas emissions when considering its full lifecycle – from cultivation, processing, to transport and use. When produced from sustainable plantations, it can reduce lifecycle emissions up to 60% compared to conventional fossil fuels.

High energy efficiency

Palm oil has one of the highest energy yields per hectare, which makes it a scalable feedstock for countries with limited land.

Readily deployable renewable fuels

Palm-based biofuel is already being produced and adopted at scale. Thanks to well-adopted infrastructure and an established supply chain, palm oil-based biofuels are among the most readily deployable renewable fuels on the market.

Supporting circular economy

Palm oil-based biofuels support a circular economy model where every part of the palm fruit is used – lowering waste, generating rural income, and creating additional energy sources beyond biodiesel itself like Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) biomass.

Less dependence on fossil fuels

Locally produced biofuel reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels. It diversifies the national energy mix and provides resilience in times of global supply disruption – a strategic advantage for any energy-importing countries.

Strengthening local economies

Biofuel production creates jobs across the value chain – from agriculture and harvesting to transportation and processing. It stimulates rural development, supports smallholder farmers, and strengthens local economies.

Debunking the challenges: Is palm biofuel truly sustainable?

Despite its advantages, palm-based biofuel continues to raise tough questions about land use, food security, and environmental impact. As Hariyadi explains, navigating the balance between energy demand and responsible production takes more than good intentions; it takes systems, policies and consistent on-the-ground action.

Q: What are the biggest challenges in producing sustainable biofuel?

Hariyadi: One of the biggest challenges is balancing the demand for renewable energy with the need to protect forests and food systems. Biofuel production – if not managed well – can lead to deforestation, land use change, and pressure on agricultural land. There are also challenges in maintaining traceability, smallholder inclusion, and meeting evolving sustainability standards.

At Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, we address these risks by enforcing a strict No Deforestation, No Peat, and No Exploitation (NDPE) policy and supporting certification schemes like ISPO and ISCC. We also work closely with smallholders to improve yields on existing land without expanding into forested areas.

Q: How do we address the food vs fuel debate?

Hariyadi: The oil used in biofuel is often surplus oil not suitable for food. In addition, waste-to-energy solutions like using Palm Kernel Shells reduce the reliance on edible oil entirely. The real challenge is balancing land use effectively – something we work on closely with farmers.

Q: Isn’t fossil fuel still more efficient and easier to produce?

Hariyadi: While fossil fuels have been dominant for decades, they come at a high environmental cost. Today, palm-based biofuel is not only commercially viable, but increasingly supported by national energy strategies. Take Indonesia’s B40 mandate, for example – it requires all diesel sold in the country to contain 40% biodiesel, most of which is palm-based. This kind of policy support is accelerating production efficiency, boosting demand, and proving that renewable alternatives can scale – responsibly and effectively.

Q: How do we ensure transparency and traceability in our biofuel supply chain?

Hariyadi: We have implemented industry-leading traceability systems, allowing us to track palm oil back to the mill and plantation level. At Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, we’ve introduced SmartTrace, our blockchain-based traceability system, which provides visibility into every stage of the supply chain, from plantation to processing to delivery. This level of traceability helps us build trust, meet sustainability standards, and prove that our biofuel is sourced ethically, responsibly, and without deforestation.

The future of biofuel

As countries seek to reduce on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions, biofuel is proving critical across sectors – from transport and industry to power generation and building energy use. It also helps balance electricity grids increasingly powered by solar and wind, stepping in where these sources fluctuate.

Importantly, biofuel offers one of the most realistic pathways for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors, like long-haul freight, aviation, and heavy industries such as steel, cement, and chemicals, where electrification alone isn’t yet feasible.

At Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, we believe palm-based biofuel has a vital role to play in this global energy transition. With robust policies like Indonesia’s B40 mandate, new technologies, and systems like SmartTrace supporting full supply chain transparency, the industry is evolving fast – and responsibly.

We believe palm oil is a powerful enabler of renewable energy. That’s why we produce palm-based bioenergy as part of our commitment to a more sustainable energy future. Read more about our initiatives here.

The post Biofuel 101: What it is, benefits, and challenges explained appeared first on PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology Tbk (PT SMART Tbk).

At GAR, our focus is on creating lasting value for both people and the planet.

Farming smarter for value, not just volume

With climate change impacting agriculture through extreme weather and droughts, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has warned that climate change could reduce global crop yields by up to 30% by 2050 if urgent action isn’t taken. But the solution isn’t simply to produce more.

How are we creating lasting value through sustainable practices and responsible innovation?

• Increasing crop yields with innovation and technology

  

  Our focus is on finding new ways to sustainably boost yields, empowering farmers to get more out of their land without expanding it.

  Dami Mas DxP seeds, developed at our SMART Biotechnology Centre, offer earlier and higher yields while keeping their genetic resilience.

  “We’ve leveraged molecular breeding and bioinformatics to optimise yield potential without compromising genetic purity,” explains Mohammad Naim, Head of Crop Protection at SMART Research Institute (SMARTRI). Dami Mas seeds enable harvesting just 24 months after planting, delivering yields of 18-24 tonnes of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFBs) per hectare, with an Oil Extraction Rate of 28-31%.

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through biogas plants

  By converting methane from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) into renewable energy, we’re cutting emissions and providing a self-sufficient energy for our mills.

  

  “Methane is 28 times more potent than CO2 when it comes to trapping heat in the atmosphere. At our mills, we’ve identified untreated POME as a significant source of direct greenhouse gas emissions, also known as Scope 1 non-FLAG (non-Forest, Land, and Agriculture-related) emissions. By capturing methane from untreated POME and using it as energy to power the mills, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint,” notes Deuxiemi Natallia Kusumadewi, Head of Climate Change and Bioeconomy.

• Diversifying our product range

  Staying resilient means diversifying. While palm oil is still central, we’ve expanded into palm oil derivatives like oleochemicals and other goods like sugar to keep up with changing demands.

  Our sugar business has grown quickly by combining its established expertise with the company’s support to expanding globally. Jelena Andrianova, GAR’s Sugar Product Line Manager, shares, “The sugar business has its own strengths, especially in supply chain management. Combine that with the company’s support, and it’s helped us grow quickly, even in challenging markets.”

A cleaner way to power up

The bioenergy industry is on a steady rise, increasingly focused on carbon capture and alternative feedstocks for a net-zero future.

GAR is contributing to this shift by producing bioenergy from our palm-based resources. Our biodiesel plants in Jakarta and South Kalimantan generate over a million tonnes of biodiesel each year, supporting Indonesia’s push for renewable energy and cutting emissions significantly compared to traditional diesel.

Palm Kernel Shell (PKS), a by-product of palm oil production, offers an effective alternative to wood-based biomass without the need for deforestation. “PKS is a great example of the circular economy in action – turning what would be waste into a reliable, low-carbon energy source. PKS offers efficient burning and can reduce carbon emissions by up to 40%,” points out Samuel Agus Setiawan, CEO of GAR’s biomass business.

The new demand: Health-conscious foods

Consumers are prioritising foods that support their wellness goals, from high-protein and fibre-rich options to natural health ingredients. There’s a growing desire for transparency, too – people want to know their food is good for the planet as it is for their health.

GAR is right in step with this shift, offering palm-based products that bring natural health benefits, like our trans-fat-free palm oil rich in antioxidant Vitamin E and provitamin A carotenoids. “In a market filled with options, we want consumers to feel secure in choosing our products,” says Isti Christianti, R&D Category Sub Division Head at GAR.

At our Marunda R&D Centre, the team work to support the creation of safe, healthy, and delicious food products. Advanced technology helps us reformulate products to remove trans fats while maintaining flavour and texture. “We’re dedicated to making food products that are both healthy and enjoyable,” states Isti. “Consumers can trust that we’re focused on health, safety, and quality every step of the way.”

Knowing where your food comes from

In today’s market, traceability has become essential. Shoppers want to know where their food comes from and how it’s made, and research shows that nearly 76% of consumers expect transparency in food sourcing, with many willing to pay more for brands they trust.

GAR is meeting this demand with SmartTrace, a blockchain-powered system that provides full visibility into our palm oil’s journey, from plantation to product.

“SmartTrace is our response to the need for transparency. With blockchain, each step in our supply chain is securely recorded in a way that can’t be altered, which guarantees accuracy and builds trust,” notes Suwandi Kho, Blockchain & Business Intelligence Team Lead at GAR.

Strong guts, strong livestock

Across the livestock industry, producers are turning to feed that supports gut health, helping boost immunity and reduce the need for antibiotics. This trend aligns with consumer demand for better animal welfare and supports farmers in managing health and productivity sustainably.

Our GoNutri Protect feed supplements are designed with this in mind. By using palm and palm kernel-derived ingredients, GoNutri Protect offers a natural, effective way to support health and immunity in livestock. “Our goal is to support livestock from the inside out – improving microbiota, digestion, and absorption of nutrients naturally and boosting their immunity. When gut health is prioritised, we can improve production yields and reduce antibiotics use that benefit both animals and sustainable practices,” mentions Pablo Alvarez, GoNutri’s veterinarian.

Building a better world beyond business

As global expectations for sustainable practices grow, businesses are increasingly called to balance profit with environmental and social responsibility. A PwC report found that consumers are willing to spend an average of 9.7% more on products that support environmental and social causes, highlighting the importance of responsible production.

At GAR, we see sustainability as an opportunity to create shared value – protecting ecosystems while empowering communities.

By implementing advanced water management systems, GAR has preserved over 1,600 hectares of these critical carbon-rich peatlands. Initiatives like Participatory Conservation Planning (PCP) work with local community to safeguard High Conservation Value (HCV) forests and wildlife corridors, so that biodiversity flourishes alongside sustainable operations.

In parallel, GAR’s Bright Future Initiative has driven over 160 community projects across 100 villages in Indonesia, focusing on sustainable farming, livestock, and cash crop cultivation. By supporting these communities in gaining essential skills and access to markets, we not only enhance livelihoods but also encourage economic independence and resilience.

Discover GAR’s approach to producing more with less impact. Learn how our responsible production contributes to building a sustainable future for agriculture.

The post What’s around the corner for agriculture, food, and energy in 2025? appeared first on PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology Tbk (PT SMART Tbk).

It was back in 1853 when E. Duffy and J. Patrick first attempted to produce biodiesel, even before the diesel engine itself was invented. Forty years later, Rudolf Diesel managed to assemble the very first model of diesel engine in 1893 in Augsburg, Germany, which was then introduced at the World’s Fair in Paris, France. This model was then running on peanut oil.

Fast forward to the present, biodiesel is currently capable of being produced from various raw materials, using many different techniques, including esterification and trans-esterification. Among others, biodiesel is often manufactured from palm oil. As the most productive source of vegetable oil, 1 hectare of land planted with oil palm can produce up to 3.5 tonnes of oil. This is far above canola, the second most productive crop, where 1 hectare of canola can only produce around 0.8 tonne of oil.

At GAR, we produce biodiesel from sustainable palm oil using the trans-esterification method. This is how it works:

At the moment, we produce biodiesel for the Indonesian domestic market, as it gradually expands its biodiesel mandate. This national interest in biodiesel is in stark contrast with Europe’s current concern about palm oil in biofuels. We believe sustainably produced palm oil should be able to play a role in sustainable energy provision, both in providing domestic fuel security in producing countries, and helping consuming countries to transition to low carbon fuel options, especially in the transport sector where change is still relatively slow.

More information about the use of biodiesel in Indonesia here.

The post How it works: Biodiesel production appeared first on PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology Tbk (PT SMART Tbk).

At present, many national governments have adopted biodiesel mandates, e.g. Argentina (B10), Brazil (B2), European Union (B7), Norway (B3.5), Australia (B2), India (B5), Malaysia (B10), Philippines (B2), South Korea (B2-B3), South Africa (B5), Costa Rica (B20), Minnesota (B20), Indonesia (B20), etc.

At Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, we have been staying in step with the Indonesian Government’s move towards biodiesel, equipping ourselves with biodiesel production capabilities in South Kalimantan and Jakarta. We believe sustainably produced palm oil should play a role in sustainable energy provision, both in providing domestic fuel security in producing countries like Indonesia, and helping consuming countries to transition to low carbon fuel options.

Development of biodiesel mandates in Indonesia
Over the last decade, Indonesia has steadily increased its use of biodiesel thanks to a series of relevant mandates issued by the President.

• 2009 : B1
• 2010-2012 : B2.5
• 2013-2014 : B10 mandate issued 1 September 2013
• 2015 : B15
• 2016 : B20 regulation issued in 2016, and was implemented in phases for different sectors, eventually only taking nationwide effect 1 September 2018
• 2020 : B30 targeted to be implemented across sectors by 2020, but the government anticipates this to be accelerated to 2019

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Click here to discover stories behind the extraordinary, everyday lives of the people transforming palm oil.

The post Palm oil refining process appeared first on PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology Tbk (PT SMART Tbk).

What are biofuels?

Biofuels can be broadly defined as fuels from biomass (matter derived from plants and animals). Different biofuels are produced differently. For example, ethanol is produced by fermenting corn or sugarcane while biodiesel is produced by breaking down animal or plant fats in the presence of methanol. Crude palm oil (CPO) undergoes a transesterification process, where it is chemically reacted with an alcohol like methanol or ethanol, to create biodiesel.

How are biofuels produced?

There are two main classifications of biofuel feedstock: Edible and non-edible. Products like sugar, starch, or vegetable oil which are considered human food products are made into biofuels using conventional methods such as transesterification (as mentioned above). Biofuels can also be produced from non-food crops, agricultural wastes and residues that are not suitable for human consumption, using advanced technology such as hydrocracking where feedstock is broken down in the presence of hydrogen to produce biofuel. What is interesting to note is that feedstock like palm oil can be used to produce biofuels through both conventional and advanced methods, depending on its state.

Where can biofuels be used?

Biofuels are often considered alternatives to conventional fuels used to power our vehicles but in reality the applications of biofuels stretch to all human energy needs. Some applications include:

Is biofuel a suitable alternative?

The world is witnessing melting ice caps, rising temperatures and increasing natural calamities. Scientists agree that one of the main reasons for this drastic increase in climate change is the excessive consumption of fossil fuels and the consequent release of greenhouse gases into the depleting atmosphere.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a biofuel like ethanol produces up to 48 percent less carbon dioxide than conventional gasoline while the use of biodiesel releases only one fourth the amount of carbon dioxide that conventional diesel releases, making it a much more environmentally friendly option as compared to fossil fuels.

Unlike its unrenewable counterpart, biofuels can also be produced continuously without exhaustion since we can always grow more crops to turn into fuel. Furthermore, the continued interest of the scientific community has resulted in higher productivity rates of vegetable oil crops addressing some of the deforestation concerns associated with biofuels. With palm oil having the highest crop yield among the other vegetable oil options, it is believed to be the most economical input for biodiesel. The oil palm tree’s life-cycle of 30 years also means a high carbon capture value, absorbing carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere.

So, in a future where fossil fuels might no longer exist, perhaps we might look at biofuels as a safe and renewable alternative energy source.

The post Biofuels – the alternative energy source appeared first on PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology Tbk (PT SMART Tbk).

That’s because of its extraordinary qualities. It is:

• Smooth and creamy – palm oil makes our spreads spreadable, our toffees chewy and our ice cream creamy
• Very land efficient – you might be able to use a different vegetable oil to do the same job, but you’d need a lot more land, pesticides and fertiliser to do so
• Free from trans-fats – palm oil is naturally free from harmful trans-fats, which is a key source of high cholesterol and is linked to heart disease
• Cost-efficient – palm oil has a key role in keeping our favourite foods affordable and on the shelf
• Tasteless and odourless – tasteless and odourless – makes it easy for chefs to incorporate in a variety of recipes

Let’s look at some of those products in greater detail.

Chocolate and chocolate spread

Palm oil is free of tastes and smells, it’s spreadable at room temperature and has a smooth, creamy texture. This makes it the perfect ingredient for chocolates and chocolate spreads. Right now palm oil is:

1. Creating that creamy centre in your favourite chocolate truffle
2. Stopping chocolate from melting in hot climates
3. Making your chocolate spread spreadable

Lipstick

Palm oil is free from colours, tastes and it holds onto a colour pretty well. Combine that with the fact that it won’t melt at body temperature and you’ve pretty much got the best ingredient you could hope for in a lipstick. Palm oil makes our lipsticks:

1. Easy to apply and remove
2. Hold colours that pop with glossy textures
3. Stay in place when we want them to!

Margarine and butter spread

Palm oil has a special role in our margarines and butters – it makes them spreadable and stops them from sliding off your toast! Palm oil keeps our spreads:

1. Free from harmful trans-fats
2. Spreadable straight out of the fridge
3. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians

Soap

Palm oil helps to keep our skin clean and moisturised, making it an ideal ingredient for our soaps. Palm oil keeps our soaps:

1. Solid in the soap dish
2. Smooth and supple
3. Colourful and fragrant when we want it, clean and simple when we don’t

Cookie

Struggling to replicate the ideal texture combination of crunchy and soft found in pre-bought cookies? That might be because you’re not using palm oil. Palm oil is what makes our cookies:

1. Crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside
2. Free from potentially harmful trans-fats

Instant noodle

If you buy pre-cooked instant noodles to save time and energy cooking dinner, you can thank palm oil for that. It is palm oil that enables the raw noodles to be pre-cooked, dried and stored in advance, so that all you need to do is add water and bring to boil. Palm oil means our noodles:

1. Have a long shelf life
2. Cook quickly
3. Vegetarian-friendly

Shampoo

Palm oil is an active conditioning agent included in many shampoos. So, if you have soft and silky hair, it may be due to palm oil. Palm oil is what makes your hair:

1. Clean, fresh and healthy
2. Silky and smooth
3. Free from dry, split ends
   

Biodiesel

Palm oil is a key ingredient in much of the biodiesel we put into our cars. Getting where we need to go on time and with reduced greenhouse gas emissions, is partly because of palm oil. Biodiesel, produced from established plantations where peatland is well protected, means that our transport systems:

1. Produce fewer climate change emissions
2. Are less vulnerable to changes in the price of fossil fuels
3. Benefit from cleaner-running engines

Laundry detergent

Palm oil is what we use to produce ‘sodium lauryl sulphate’, an effective foaming agent, used in laundry detergent to keep our clothes clean. That means our laundry detergents:

1. Foam when in contact with water
2. Clean our clothes evenly and thoroughly
3. Leave our clothes fresh and odourless

Bread and pastry

Palm oil shortening is used in baking to improve the spring, weight, density and texture of bread. Palm oil ensures the centre of the bread remains light and fluffy while the outer crust develops as it is solid at room temperature and melts when in the oven. Including palm oil in the baking process means bread is:

1. Fluffy and springy in texture
2. Vegetarian-friendly
3. Inexpensive

Click here to discover stories behind the extraordinary, everyday lives of the people transforming palm oil.

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