executive summary key findings We must view edible fats and oils as one subsystem of our food system Too many workers live in poverty and work in extremely poor conditions Innovation in novel oils may offer lower impact alternatives, but their greatest potential lies in non-edible uses, such as animal feed, cosmetics and biofuels. We must feed a growing population in a way that’s nutritious, equitable and within planetary boundaries The expansion of oil crop production affects indigenous peoples and local communities We must eliminate food waste and promote sustainable, healthy diets We must continue to ensure good social and environmental governance wherever palm oil is grown As with all agricultural commodities, there’s no such thing as a good or bad oil. However, within each oil type there is a range of good and bad practices and production. All vegetable oils and animal fats present both advantages and disadvantages. While there’s no simple, risk-free option, there are ways to make better choices that account for interconnected environmental, nutritional and social effects. It’s vital to view edible fats and oils as one subsystem of our food system: focusing on single crops may produce unintended impacts elsewhere. The food system’s entire value chain must align around the same goal: feeding a growing population in a way that’s nutritious, equitable and within planetary boundaries. This report recommends specific starting points for food companies. Demand for oil crops is rising, largely driven by continued growth in both population and western-style diets containing a greater proportion of processed foods and animal products. To reduce pressure on the system, it’s essential that rather than simply increasing production we eliminate food waste and support sustainable, healthy diets. Millions of people around the world rely on growing oil crops for their livelihood. However, too many of them live in poverty and work in extremely poor conditions. The expansion of oil crop production onto areas of native vegetation affects indigenous peoples and local communities who may be evicted from the land and lose their livelihoods. Palm oil is by far the world’s most productive oil crop. Substituting it with another oil or fat may increase environmental impacts elsewhere. However, we must continue to ensure good social and environmental governance wherever palm oil is grown, in a similar way to all other sources of oil. Innovation in novel oils may offer lower impact alternatives, but their greatest potential lies in non-edible uses, such as animal feed, cosmetics and biofuels. We must view edible fats and oils as one subsystem of our food system Too many workers live in poverty and work in extremely poor conditions Innovation in novel oils may offer lower impact alternatives, but their greatest potential lies in non-edible uses, such as animal feed, cosmetics and biofuels. We must feed a growing population in a way that’s nutritious, equitable and within planetary boundaries The expansion of oil crop production affects indigenous peoples and local communities We must eliminate food waste and promote sustainable, healthy diets We must continue to ensure good social and environmental governance wherever palm oil is grown