PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – At the prestigious INACRAFT 2025, a collaboration between the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), the Forum Pengembangan Kampoeng Batik Laweyan (FPKBL), WWF-Indonesia, Apical, CECT Universitas Trisakti, Daemeter, and Control Union marked the official launch of batik produced using environmentally friendly and sustainable materials—specifically, batik wax derived from sustainably processed palm oil.
This initiative represents a breakthrough in Indonesia’s batik industry, merging the richness of cultural heritage with sustainable business practices. By adopting palm oil-based batik wax, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are empowered to embrace sustainability, offering consumers a conscious choice that actively contributes to environmental preservation.
Collaborative Efforts for Sustainability
Since 2022, RSPO has collaborated with FPKBL to develop batik formulas utilizing sustainable palm oil derivatives. This initiative is built upon four key strategies:FPKBL’s membership in RSPO, capacity building and awareness-raising for FPKBL members on sustainable palm oil, utilization of RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil and its derivatives (including palm-based wax) and market development for FPKBL palm-based batik wax, emphasizing the use of certified sustainable palm oil in its production
As a global organization dedicated to promoting sustainable palm oil production and practices, RSPO supports innovative initiatives such as integrating sustainable HPS palm oil into the batik industry.
Dr. M. Windrawan Inantha, Deputy Director of Market Transformation at RSPO, stated:
“We believe that applying sustainability standards across the entire palm oil supply chain opens new opportunities for various industries, including the creative sector like batik. This approach proves that sustainable palm oil-based products are not only environmentally responsible but also bring economic benefits to all stakeholders, particularly MSMEs. We hope that this innovation serves as a model for other industries to adopt sustainable business practices while increasing consumer awareness of the advantages of sustainable palm oil-based products.”
Environmental conservation and sustainability practices require collective action across industries, from large-scale producers to small home-based businesses. WWF-Indonesia, committed to fostering sustainable solutions, has partnered with FPKBL as a strategic move to inspire other batik artisans across Indonesia.
WWF-Indonesia has supported FPKBL in developing a Sustainable Action Plan, reinforcing their commitment to exclusively using RSPO-certified batik wax. To ensure comprehensive certification, WWF-Indonesia has also assisted FPKBL in undergoing the Supply Chain Certification Standard (SCCS) audit, aligning their practices with RSPO standards.
This eco-friendly batik innovation provides consumers with a responsible option that does not contribute to environmental degradation. Looking ahead, sustainable palm oil-based wax is expected to gain broader market access, supporting industries engaged with WWF-Indonesia and inspiring more businesses to integrate sustainability into their operations. This initiative underscores that sustainability is not just a niche concern but a universal goal that all stakeholders can implement.
“WWF-Indonesia firmly believes that palm oil, when managed sustainably and responsibly, does not harm the environment. It is crucial to promote sustainable practices in product development so that consumers have access to environmentally friendly choices. The fusion of Indonesian culture and sustainability is expected to address the growing domestic demand for eco-friendly palm oil-based products,” said Angga Prathama Putra, Sustainable Commodities Lead, WWF-Indonesia.
Palm Oil: A Versatile Resource with Diverse Applications
For Apical, a leader in sustainable vegetable oil processing, the launch of batik made with palm oil-based wax is not just an innovation—it is a significant industry breakthrough. Palm oil, often viewed solely as a commodity, has now proven its versatility in a range of applications, meeting diverse consumer needs.
The Hydrogenated Palm Stearin (HPS) used as the raw material for this batik wax is one of Apical’s many palm oil derivatives. Beyond HPS, Apical also processes palm oil into food products, oleochemicals for cosmetics, animal feed, and even biofuels.
“Palm oil is a resource for the future due to its wide-ranging derivatives, from food to fuel—extending from kitchen essentials to aviation biofuels,” said Prama Yudha Amdan, Head of Corporate Communications, Apical Group.
This collaborative effort in producing sustainable batik wax demonstrates that palm oil’s economic contributions extend beyond its role as a commodity. It is actively driving downstream industries, countering the perception that value addition is limited to the extractive sector.
“While many industries are still preparing for downstream integration, the palm oil sector has already accomplished this. Moreover, its economic ripple effects are not confined to capital-intensive enterprises but also benefit small and medium-sized businesses, such as batik artisans,” added Prama Yudha.
This launch at INACRAFT 2025 underscores the power of cross-sector collaboration in promoting sustainability within traditional industries. By combining cultural heritage with responsible sourcing, this initiative sets a precedent for other creative industries, proving that sustainability and tradition can go hand in hand. (P3)
