There has been considerable discussion in recent years about the sources of the raw materials used in the manufacture of cleaning products. Surfactants, which are a key ingredient in most cleaning formulations, can be derived from a range of sources. Traditionally, many surfactants have been produced from petrochemicals; however, these have come under increasing scrutiny due to their non-renewable nature. As a result, there has been growing interest in more sustainable alternatives derived from renewable, farm-harvested resources.

Demand for vegetable oils has increased significantly over the past decade for two primary reasons. Firstly, vegetable oils, particularly palm oil, are generally less expensive to produce than animal-derived edible oils. Secondly, as the majority of crude oil extracted from the earth is used for transportation fuels, the increasing demand for biofuels has led the transportation sector to seek alternative sources, including vegetable oils such as palm oil.

While the exact availability of petrochemical resources remains uncertain, it is understandable that many manufacturers prefer naturally derived and renewable surfactants. These can be sourced from a variety of materials, including coconut, palm, sugar, corn, and other plant-based resources.

Palm oil is often considered an attractive option because of its rapid growth rate and its ability to provide employment opportunities in developing nations. However, the expansion of palm oil production has also led to significant environmental and social concerns. In many regions, natural forests have been cleared to make way for palm plantations, resulting in the loss of vital ecosystems that support wildlife, including orangutans, tigers, and endangered bird species. In some cases, local communities and villages have also been displaced as land is converted for agricultural use.