Eyes on the Future: Shaping the Future of Food with Sustainable Palm Oil Innovations
Explore Musim Mas’ approach towards sustainable palm oil production and discover how their palm oil innovations have paved the way for the development of novel and improved foods that meet the needs of an evolving consumer market.
![Musim Mas at Singapore Science Park](/content/dam/capitaland-sites/singapore/lease/business-parks-industrial-logistics/content-studio/03-2024/Musim%20Mas%20thumbnail.png.transform/cap-midres/image.png)
One Ingredient, One Thousand Opportunities
Did you know that palm oil is found in almost everything we consume?
As everyday consumers, we don’t realise how widespread palm oil is in our food industry.
Due to its versatility, palm oil and its derivatives are frequently and widely used across industries from food manufacture to industrial products, cosmetics, personal and healthcare products.
The edible vegetable oil can be found in about 50% of all packaged products sold in supermarkets, including cookies, chocolates, ice creams, and margarine, as well as in our toiletries such as deodorant, shampoo, and toothpaste. It is also responsible for making our favourite spreads, well, spreadable.
![Palm oil and oil palm fruit](/content/dam/capitaland-sites/singapore/lease/business-parks-industrial-logistics/content-studio/03-2024/Palm%20oil.jpg.transform/cap-midres/image.jpg)
Semi-solid at room temperature and resistant to oxidation, palm oil extends the shelf life of products. It is also stable at elevated temperatures, allowing our favourite fried products to maintain their crispy and crunchy texture.
The oil is derived from the fruit of oil palm trees that are grown in large palm oil plantations predominantly found in tropical regions such as Malaysia and Indonesia.
In this Eyes on the Future article, we explore Musim Mas’ approach towards sustainable palm oil production and how their palm oil innovations have paved the way for the development of novel and improved foods that meet the needs of an evolving consumer market.
Driving Innovations Within The Palm Oil Industry – Musim Mas
Amidst the highly saturated palm oil industry, Musim Mas stands out as one of the most prominent integrated companies.
Originally specialising in manufacturing and distributing soap products in 1932 as Nam Cheong Soap Factory in Medan, Indonesia, Musim Mas has since evolved into a global player in the palm oil industry.
They are currently present in 13 countries with core operations ranging from cultivation to refining and manufacturing. They own and manage a network of palm oil plantations, mills, and refineries, offering a wide range of consumer goods and B2B products such as emulsifiers, specialty fats, oleochemicals, and more.
In line with their mission to craft innovative palm oil products and derivatives, Musim Mas established the Novel IDEAS Center (NIC) within Singapore Science Park in 2019.
![Lobby of the Novel IDEAS Center situated at Singapore Science Park](/content/dam/capitaland-sites/singapore/lease/business-parks-industrial-logistics/content-studio/03-2024/NIC%20lobby%202.jpg.transform/cap-midres/image.jpg)
NIC conducts research and develops palm oil innovations such as specialty fats and emulsifier blends to make food healthier, tastier, and more appealing. These specialised ingredients are designed and tailored according to their customer’s needs, undergoing multiple trials and analyses in their R&D labs in NIC.
![The Novel IDEAS Center develops functional products that are used as ingredients by their clients in the production of final consumer goods. (Photo: Musim Mas)](/content/dam/capitaland-sites/singapore/lease/business-parks-industrial-logistics/content-studio/03-2024/NIC%20products.png.transform/cap-midres/image.png)
It’s thanks to their innovations that bread makers in Asia can now produce high-quality bread at controlled costs.
“Bread makers often add an ingredient known as DATEM to strengthen the bread dough. In Asia, many bread manufacturers import DATEM from Europe. But, the prices fluctuate regularly and it is also becoming more expensive. To solve this problem, we've created a new dough strengthener emulsifier blend that provides the same benefits as DATEM. This means bread makers can save money without compromising on the quality of their bread.”
![Atul Prakash, Manager of the Bakery and Asian Food department analysing the texture and quality of a trial bread sample with his food technologist](/content/dam/capitaland-sites/singapore/lease/business-parks-industrial-logistics/content-studio/03-2024/NIC%20bakery%20lab.jpg.transform/cap-midres/image.jpg)
The four specialist labs in NIC, a S$10 million R&D and innovation facility, include—confectionery, bakery and Asian food, dairy and frozen desserts, and oils and fats—along with an analytical lab for quality and safety checks. A sensory room supports these labs by examining the influence of the products based on sight, smell, taste, and touch.
The fully equipped labs support their specialists with developing and pilot testing their palm oil innovations, churning out treats such as chocolates, frozen dessert, dairy and non-dairy products, bread, cakes, margarine, and more.
“A customer had requested to match a blend for a chocolate milk application. Our team began testing and identifying suitable ingredients that could stabilize the chocolate milk whilst providing similar performance to the competitor’s blend. Through months of trials and thorough analysis, we developed a blend they were very satisfied with.”
![Cecilia Ng, Manager of the Dairy and Frozen Desserts department bottling trial samples of milk in NIC’s dairy and frozen desserts lab](/content/dam/capitaland-sites/singapore/lease/business-parks-industrial-logistics/content-studio/03-2024/NIC%20beverage%20lab%202.jpg.transform/cap-midres/image.jpg)
Today, NIC has 12 full-time specialists, many of whom come from local institutions like the National University of Singapore (NUS). Together they work collaboratively to drive innovations in the applications of sustainable, functional ingredients and specialty fats.
A Vision for Sustainable Palm Oil Production
While palm oil is incredibly versatile and efficient, unsustainable production of palm oil can pose a huge threat to forests and wildlife.
Such unsustainable palm oil extraction often deploys harmful practices, such as slash-and-burn, where forests are burned down to make way for agriculture. This has a detrimental impact on many plant and animal species, resulting in the loss of critical ecosystems for endangered species.
Deforestation also poses health risks to populations as such slash-and-burn methods, a cheaper alternative to clearing land, emit toxic ash and smoke into the air.
In acknowledgment of its environmental responsibilities as a leading sustainable palm oil producer, Musim Mas works with stakeholders to address concerns such as greenhouse gas emissions, loss of biodiversity, as well as labour and human rights.
In 2014, Musim Mas instituted a Sustainability Policy where it dedicated itself to three key sustainability commitments: No Deforestation, No Peat, and No Exploitation (NDPE).
Delivering on its promise of being a responsible business and addressing pressing issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, no burning of forests, and labour and human rights protection, this policy applies globally to Musim Mas' operations with third parties, including suppliers and contractors.
Additionally, Musim Mas takes it one step further through its commitment to transparency by voluntarily producing Sustainability Reports, which exceeds the regulations for non-listed corporations.
![Four key pillars encompassing the core components of sustainability: People, Planet, and Profit.](/content/dam/capitaland-sites/singapore/lease/business-parks-industrial-logistics/content-studio/03-2024/MM%20sustainability.png.transform/cap-midres/image.png)
As the company grew, Musim Mas never lost focus on its sustainability strategy. With 10 members in its sustainability team in 2012, the team has now grown to ~150 full-time staff – more than 10 times the number of members it originally had.
In January 2024, Musim Mas committed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with climate science as per the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
This commitment aligns with the Paris Agreement's ambitious target to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Effects of global warming include higher temperatures, rising sea levels, more severe storms, and droughts, contributing to intense heat waves.
“As Musim Mas announces its commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), we recognize the role of the palm oil industry in driving global efforts towards net-zero emissions. The urgency of our climate crisis demands swift and resolute action. Musim Mas will undertake rigorous measures to align with SBTi standards, reduce our carbon footprint, and contribute significantly to the global imperative of achieving a sustainable and net-zero future."
![The Rutherford & Oasis in Singapore Science Park](/content/dam/capitaland-sites/singapore/lease/business-parks-industrial-logistics/content-studio/03-2024/the%20rutherford.png.transform/cap-midres/image.png)
Leveraging Its Strategic Location In Singapore Science Park
As part of The Rutherford & Oasis in Singapore Science Park 1, which houses bare shell units suited for R&D, wet and dry lab facilities, Musim Mas can strategically collaborate with other food ingredients companies within the park when designing solutions.
These collaborations have contributed to the development of various plant-based beverages, low-calorie ice creams, long-life breads, and baked delicacies with creamy fillings, all of which are not only healthy and delicious, but also safe for consumption.
“One instance of our collaboration involves creating affordable chocolates. Cocoa butter, a costly component in chocolate production, can be partially replaced with our specialty fats derived from sustainable palm oil. This allows chocolate manufacturers to reduce their reliance on cocoa butter, thereby cutting costs and producing more budget-friendly chocolates. To create these chocolates, we collaborate with experts from companies within Singapore Science Park who supply the ingredients we need to achieve our desired outcomes.”
Moreover, Musim Mas cites accessibility and proximity to public transportation as factors contributing to a favourable working environment for their employees. With Kent Ridge MRT within walking distance and complimentary shuttle services available within Singapore Science Park, many of their employees use the bus and trains for their daily commute.
Beyond transportation, the diverse dining options have also contributed to employee satisfaction and enhanced collaboration. The range of budget-friendly to upscale canteens and cafes allow their employees to enjoy a variety of culinary experiences for different work settings and client meetings, igniting conversations and collaborations.
Lush greenery and a tranquil campus-like environment also foster a welcoming and conducive environment for visitors and staff. With Kent Ridge Park just a stone’s throw away, employees have easy access to nature trails and green spaces, providing opportunities for relaxation amidst a busy workday.
![Sam Appalasami, Head of Functional Products and Novel IDEAS Center with his team at the Novel IDEAS Center. (Photo: Shimadzu)](/content/dam/capitaland-sites/singapore/lease/business-parks-industrial-logistics/content-studio/03-2024/NIC%20team%202.jpg.transform/cap-midres/image.jpg)
Food Innovations, Beyond Borders
Musim Mas’ impact reaches beyond Singapore Science Park, across many other countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, India, China, and many more.
With their first international R&D and innovation hub being situated in Singapore, they can seamlessly communicate and collaborate with their labs in neighbouring countries. Many of their key clients are also located here.
“Singapore felt like the right fit for our first international R&D and innovation hub. The country is reputable as a regional innovation hub, has top-notch logistics infrastructure, and is brimming with talented food technology experts. Plus, many of our big clients are here and even have their own R&D centres. This makes collaborating with them much easier and faster.”
From setting new standards by being part of every step in the production process, to driving innovations through tailoring its product blends, Musim Mas aims to be the industry leader for sustainable palm oil production.
Find out more about Musim Mas' food innovations in this video!
The Eyes on the Future article series takes readers on a journey into the future by profiling CapitaLand tenants who are pioneering game-changing technologies and innovations. Join us as we dive into engaging conversations with these trailblazers. Interested to read more? Discover how Shimadzu’s Breakthrough Innovations Transformed Hypertension Diagnosis.
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