Stanford Student Kelly Redmond Seeks Synthetic Alternative to Palm Oil
Palm oil drives deforestation and habitat destruction worldwide, yet it remains a ubiquitous ingredient. Seeking solutions, Stanford engineer Kelly Redmond is developing a sustainable palm oil alternative that supports rainforests and communities.
Redmond’s years as an environmental scientist and engineer showed her palm oil’s complexities. “It’s really difficult to avoid because it’s in almost everything,” she says.
Simply boycotting palm oil was not the answer. After extensive research with co-founder Gabriella Dweck, Redmond decided to transform an industry byproduct – discarded palm fronds – into a sustainable synthetic oil. Their startup, Oleo, offers a bold vision: reduce waste, lower emissions, and empower local farmers.
Palm Oil’s Potential
With high crop yields, palm oil can be efficient and eco-friendly. But unchecked expansion destroyed over 9 million hectares of forests in Indonesia alone. Palm production also generates massive waste when trees are cut down after decades of harvesting. Rotting fronds release carbon instead of enriching soil. Despite its potential, the status quo harms habitats, biodiversity, and communities.
Turning Waste Into Opportunity
Where others saw waste, Redmond saw opportunity. Oleo will convert leftover palm fronds into feedstock for synthetic oil using an efficient microwave-based process. While initial customers are personal care companies seeking traceability, Oleo ultimately aims to provide a biodiesel alternative.
Oleo’s decentralized model engages small-scale growers too often excluded from profits. By integrating its zero-waste technology with sustainable farming, Oleo boosts yields and incomes for local families. “Ensuring smallholders get economic benefit from our process—that’s a differentiator,” says Redmond.
Rethinking, Not Rejecting
Redmond believes palm oil production can be environmentally sustainable and socially just. By recycling waste into resources, spurring rainforest preservation, and empowering marginalized growers, Oleo offers a bold vision for palm oil’s future. Redmond is rethinking, not rejecting, an industry rife with challenges to cultivate its potential for people and the planet.
Source: Sarah Murray/ Stanford Business
