Sriram Iyer on Sustainable Palm Oil Innovation
Sriram Iyer on Leading a Greener Future Through Palm Oil Innovation As global markets pivot toward environmental accountability, businesses across industries are redefining what it means to lead. For
**Sriram Iyer on Leading a Greener Future Through Palm Oil Innovation As global markets pivot toward environmental accountability, businesses across industries are redefining what it means to lead. For Sriram Iyer, Chief Operating Officer of Malaysia-based Pacific Inter-Link Group (PIL), leadership today means more than just navigating supply chains—it's about reshaping them to be sustainable, transparent, and future-ready.
Since our last conversation in 2022, PIL has undergone a transformation that places Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles at the core of its operations. This isn’t merely a shift in policy; it’s a fundamental reimagining of how business can—and should—be conducted in one of the world’s most scrutinized sectors.
A Strategic Pivot Rooted in Purpose
““The world will always present challenges,” Iyer says, reflecting on the evolving landscape of the palm oil industry. “But true leadership lies in turning those challenges into opportunities for innovation and impact.”
Under his stewardship, PIL has aligned its operations with international sustainability standards, including the European Union’s incoming Deforestation Regulation set to take effect in 2026. While the regulation directly impacts exporters to the EU, PIL sees it as a benchmark for global best practices.
““Even if we don’t export to Europe, we recognize the importance of proactively adopting these standards,” he explains. “It’s about integrity in business, not just compliance.”
This forward-thinking approach has earned PIL recognition across sustainability indices. Most notably, the company made a dramatic leap in the Zoological Society of London’s Sustainable Palm Oil Traceability Template, rising from 93rd globally in 2020 to an impressive 22nd by 2023—an achievement Iyer credits to unwavering team commitment.
Transparency as a Competitive Advantage
Traceability remains a cornerstone of PIL’s ESG framework. With 100% traceability to mills and 65% to plantations, the company is setting new standards in an industry historically plagued by opacity. In 2024, PIL signed onto the United Nations Global Compact, cementing its commitment to the “No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation” policy.
““We may not own or operate plantations ourselves,” Iyer notes, “but we believe responsibility doesn’t end at the mill gate. Our goal is full traceability to plantation level—because consumers and stakeholders deserve to know where their products come from.”
This transparency isn’t just ethical—it’s strategic. As consumers and regulators demand greater visibility into product origins, PIL’s investments in traceability position it ahead of the curve, building trust and resilience in volatile markets.
Financing the Future with Green Capital
Beyond operational changes, PIL is exploring green financing options to further align its financial strategies with its sustainability goals. “We’re looking at sustainability-linked loans, green bonds, and other instruments that tie capital directly to ESG performance,” Iyer reveals.
This integration of finance and sustainability underscores a broader corporate evolution—one that views environmental stewardship not as a cost, but as a driver of long-term value creation.
Diversification with a Shared Vision
While palm oil remains central to PIL’s identity, Iyer is steering the group toward a diversified future encompassing specialty fats and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Each vertical is being reimagined through a sustainability lens, ensuring consistency in values and impact across the organization.
““Our strategy isn’t siloed,” he says. “Whether it’s palm oil, specialty fats, or FMCG, every business line is guided by a shared vision of responsible growth and innovation.”
This cross-sectoral alignment reflects a deeper understanding of market dynamics, where purpose-led brands increasingly outperform their peers. By embedding sustainability into all facets of its operations, PIL aims to future-proof its portfolio while capturing emerging opportunities in conscious consumption.
Leading Through Agility and Vision
At the heart of PIL’s success is agility—a quality Iyer describes as critical in today’s fast-evolving business climate. “We’re nimble,” he emphasizes. “Our logistics network allows us to adapt quickly, even rerouting vessels within an hour if needed. That responsiveness gives us a competitive edge.”
Yet agility alone isn’t enough. “Vision must drive action,” Iyer adds. “You have to see beyond immediate pressures and chart a course that serves both people and the planet.”
“For PIL, that course leads toward a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future—one where industry leadership is measured not only by profit margins, but by positive impact.
Looking Ahead: A Model for Responsible Growth
As PIL continues to scale its sustainability initiatives, Iyer envisions the company becoming a model for responsible growth in the agri-commodities space. The journey, he acknowledges, is ongoing—but the direction is clear.
““Innovation, integrity, and inclusivity are no longer optional,” he concludes. “They are the pillars of modern leadership. And that’s the legacy we’re building at PIL.”
In a world demanding accountability and action, Sriram Iyer and Pacific Inter-Link Group are proving that with vision and determination, even traditional industries can lead the way toward a better tomorrow.
