Paper short abstract:

This study aims to investigate the dynamics between major corporations and transnational environmental activism in the Southeast Asian palm oil agribusiness sector, with a focus on sustainable palm oil and food security. It also aims to assess the impact of greenwashing practices in this context.

Paper long abstract:

The ever-versatile global commodity palm oil, often criticized for its association with deforestation, has sparked extensive debate across academia, government, and the media. Malaysia and Indonesia, the two largest palm oil producers, have been criticized for environmental issues, including deforestation and carbon emissions. Despite being labelled as the 'least disruptive crop' when compared to other edible oils, palm oil continues to be a target of criticism from various green groups, including Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth (FOE), and the Rainforest Action Network (RAN). These targeted campaigns persist despite numerous studies demonstrating the efficient land use associated with palm oil production. The intensity of these criticisms brings into question the greenwashing activities of major corporations and may have blinded these green groups from recognizing the inherent advantages of palm oil over other edible oils. This study investigates the dynamics between these major firms and green organizations, assessing whether sustainable palm oil could comprehensively address poverty and various dimensions of food security. Additionally, it places a spotlight on the industry's shift towards transnationalism and the emergence of transnational environmental activism as central themes for analysis.