Replace palm oil with an almost identical ingredient obtained in the laboratory, but also present in nature, without destroying the forests. A possible challenge? The news comes from England, to be precise from the researchers of the University of Bath.
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Replace thePalm oil with almost identical ingredient obtained in the laboratory, but also present in nature, without destroying the forests. A possible challenge? The news comes from England, to be precise from the researchers of the University of Bath.
Palm oil is everywhere, we find it in at least half of the products on sale in supermarkets, from packaged foods to cleaning products. A low oil a cost that is convenient for the food and chemical industry, but which is destroying the environment due to its unsustainable production.
Palm oil production is the main cause of destruction of the rainforest in Malaysia and Indonesia, where 87% of the world's palm oil is produced. The natural habitat of native populations, orangutans and other endangered animals is being destroyed to make way for plantations.
Why, then, do companies persist in resorting to palm oil? Because not only is it low cost ma is also versatile, thanks to a very high melting point and high saturation levels. Some vegetable oils come close to one of the two characteristics, but not both, as he explains The Guardian.
But here is on the horizon apotentially valid alternative that could save the wonderful tropical regions of the planet. Scientists from the University of Bath have managed to grow a oily yeast named Metschnikowia. This yeast has a lipid profile almost identical to palm oil.
This type of yeast is found almost everywhere, from Vietnam to South Africa to Europe. It does not require sterile conditions for cultivation and feeds on sugars. The Bath researchers grew it in open tanks, outside.
If the alternative to palm oil is viable, forests and agricultural land will be safe. Further studies will be needed to develop a palm oil substitute be it at the same time healthy and sustainable, but the hope is that it will be ready for industrial use within the next 3 to 4 years.
We will finally be able to forget the deforestation caused by palm oil?
Marta Albè
Photo source: therakyatpost.com
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