A collaboration between Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil and the University of Oxford’s Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, building the evidence, partnerships and policy ideas needed for a regenerative, inclusive, climate-resilient and nature-positive palm oil sector.
Palm oil sits at the centre of some of the world’s most important sustainability questions: climate action, biodiversity recovery, food security, rural livelihoods, trade access, smallholder inclusion and responsible production.
For Malaysia, the challenge is not only to demonstrate compliance with sustainability standards. It is to define what leadership looks like in the next phase of sustainable palm oil. The Lab creates a platform for applied research, stakeholder dialogue and practical policy thinking that connects scientific evidence with real-world sector experience.
Sector knowledge and practitioner experience across Malaysia’s palm oil value chain, from smallholders and growers to mills, processors, downstream players and multinational companies.
Research capability, academic rigour and experience translating evidence into policy, sustainability action and enterprise transformation.
The Lab does not treat sustainability as a single technical issue, but as a system of linked environmental, social, economic and policy questions.
How can palm oil move beyond minimising impact and actively support nature restoration, biodiversity recovery and climate goals?
This theme explores the links between carbon, habitat integrity, biodiversity, land management and emissions reduction, including riparian zones, forest connectivity, set-asides, peatland management and spatial data.
How can nature-based solutions strengthen resilience for smallholders and larger producers?
The Lab looks at how natural systems can improve agricultural resilience, climate adaptation, soil and water management, productivity and long-term economic sustainability.
How can sustainability policy better support income resilience, community livelihoods and inclusion?
This theme focuses on people at the centre of the sector, especially smallholders, and explores practical pathways for fair, achievable and inclusive sustainability transitions.
The Lab looks at palm oil not only through certification, but through the wider systems that shape sustainability: land use, climate, biodiversity, supply chains, livelihoods, finance, market expectations and public trust.
What would it take for palm oil to make a net positive contribution to people, nature and the economy?
Structured engagement with supply chain companies, government agencies, NGOs, academia and sector representatives.
Evidence, data, literature and sector practice are reviewed to identify what is known, uncertain and actionable.
Findings are turned into practical insights for policy, standards, business action and implementation.
Outputs are communicated through a case study, policy brief, seminars, webinars and public engagement.
The first year will support an Oxford case study and policy brief, while building the foundation for longer-term research, engagement and public understanding.
A case study for Oxford’s Regenerative Economy Living Library, sharing lessons from Malaysia’s palm oil sector with policymakers, businesses, educators and the public.
A concise, analytical and accessible brief for decision-makers across the sector, capturing research findings, insights and recommendations.
A structured process bringing together industry, government, civil society, academia and supply chain actors to shape research directions.
The first year will identify knowledge gaps, research needs, datasets, field sites and partnerships for a longer-term programme.
The aim is to build a shared evidence base and a practical community of learning around sustainable palm oil.
The launch will bring together representatives from MSPO, the University of Oxford, the Malaysian delegation, academic experts, students, stakeholders and invited guests. It marks the beginning of a new phase of collaboration focused on evidence, innovation and policy for sustainable palm oil.
The Lab welcomes engagement from stakeholders interested in regenerative economies, nature recovery, climate resilience and inclusive livelihoods.
By combining MSPO’s sector reach with Oxford’s research capability, the Lab aims to contribute to a more informed, balanced and forward-looking conversation on the future of palm oil.