Palm oil is one of the world's most widely used ingredients, yet many tourism businesses may not realise just how present it is across their operations. In fact, according to WWF, palm oil is found in nearly 50% of packaged products worldwide. From guest amenities and personal care products to food, beverages and cleaning supplies, palm oil and its derivatives can be found in a wide range of products used daily throughout hotels, restaurants and hospitality facilities. 

As sustainability expectations continue to evolve, organisations are increasingly looking beyond their direct operations and examining the environmental and social impacts embedded within their supply chains. In this context, understanding where palm oil comes from and how it is produced is becoming an important part of responsible procurement. 

Palm oil itself is not inherently unsustainable. In fact, it is one of the most productive vegetable oils in the world, requiring less land than many alternative oil crops.  However, in some regions, palm oil production has been associated with challenges such as: 

• Deforestation and habitat loss. 

• Impacts on biodiversity and endangered species. 

• Greenhouse gas emissions linked to land conversion. 

• Social and labour-related risks within supply chains. 

• Limited traceability and transparency. 

For businesses committed to sustainability, the challenge is therefore not simply whether palm oil is used, but how it is sourced. 

Tourism relies on healthy ecosystems, thriving communities and resilient destinations. As a result, supply chain decisions can have impacts that extend far beyond the products purchased. Palm oil may be present in: 

• Soaps, shampoos and guest amenities. 

• Cosmetics and spa products. 

• Cleaning products and detergents. 

• Packaged food products. 

• Bakery and confectionery items served across hospitality operations. 

 Understanding the origin and sustainability credentials of these products can help organisations better manage environmental and social risks while supporting broader sustainability objectives.

Improving visibility does not require perfect data from day one. A good starting point is simply to begin asking suppliers the right questions: 

• Is the palm oil traceable? 

• Is it covered by recognised certification schemes? 

• Are suppliers able to identify the mills or production areas involved? 

• Do they have commitments to prevent deforestation? 

• Are sustainability claims independently verified? 

Greater transparency helps organisations make more informed procurement decisions and encourages continuous improvement across the supply chain. 

Responsible sourcing is rarely achieved overnight. The most effective approach is often one of gradual improvement: increasing traceability, engaging suppliers, strengthening procurement criteria and encouraging more sustainable production practices over time. For tourism businesses, this means recognising that sustainability extends beyond the guest experience and into the products, ingredients and materials that support day-to-day operations. 

By prioritising transparency and responsible sourcing, the tourism sector can play an important role in supporting biodiversity protection, reducing deforestation risks and building more resilient supply chains for the future. Because sustainability does not stop at the hotel door. It continues throughout the entire value chain.