Palm Oil

Palm oil is a first generation biofuel and bioplastics feedstock used in both biofuels and bioplastics. The problem with first-generation feedstocks is that they directly compete with food production.

That said, palm oil is cleaner, cheaper, and requires less processing to convert into biofuels or bioplastics compared to used cooking oils.

On the other hand, used cooking oils (UCOs) are classified as waste. Repurposing them for biofuel or bioplastic production fits neatly into the so-called circular economy narrative — even if some of that talk feels like greenwashing.

Palm oil, as a food ingredient, belongs to the food industry — yet it’s often found in ultra-processed junk foods. Take Nutella, for instance: it’s loaded with palm oil, which is far cheaper than cocoa or nuts. The result? A smooth spread that’s profitable but unhealthy — palm oil in processed foods poses real health concerns.

China and Chinese

Mr. Trump, you might be tempted to take this personally — against China or the Chinese people. Don’t. The Chinese are just like us: they want to build a better life, to enjoy the sweet taste of Yankee dollars.

But Mr. Barrett, who should we blame for this fiasco?

Well, that’s a good question indeed. My gut feeling — my intuition — tells me we should be looking in McKinsey’s direction.

McKinsey

Mr. President, I recommend launching a Congressional hearing into McKinsey. You don’t need to know every reason up front — McKinsey almost certainly knows why.

When you frame the questions, remember: the McKinsey team is likely sharper on the facts than much of your White House entourage. Make your wording inclusive, methodical, and exhaustive so the answers can’t hide behind jargon.

Here are two questions:

Question number 1:

McKinsey boys and girls… relating to china’s import, export and transport activities towards the United States … are you aware of any fiddling, tampering, tinkering, meddling, messing with, doctoring, rigging, manipulating, cooking, juggling, falsifying, dawdling, pottering, loitering, goofing around and smuggling, trafficking, bootlegging, contraband trading, illicit transporting, sneaking, running, black market trading, under-the-table dealing, covert shipping, illicit moving?

Question number 2

McKinsey boys and girls … because you’re under oath, you’re obliged to answer truthfully … is there any good reason for the US Government to send any one of you to jail?

Suggested opening line

Today we call McKinsey to account — not to score political points, but to get clear answers so Congress can protect the public interest.

Sample hearing questions (inclusive, exhaustive)

1. Please describe, in plain terms, the specific services McKinsey provided to [company/agency/project], including dates and named teams.
2. Who at McKinsey held decision-making authority on recommendations that were implemented, and what was their chain of command?
3. What key data, models, or assumptions informed McKinsey’s recommendations? Provide the underlying analyses and documentation.
4. Were there any known conflicts of interest, third-party relationships, or financial incentives that could have influenced your advice? If so, describe them and provide related communications.
5. How were potential risks and negative consequences assessed and communicated to your client? Show the risk registers, memos, and internal dissenting opinions, if any.
6. Did McKinsey propose or implement cost-saving measures that required regulatory or legal workarounds? If yes, explain and provide supporting documents.
7. What oversight, controls, or follow-up mechanisms did McKinsey recommend to ensure accountability for the outcomes of your work? Were those mechanisms implemented?
8. Provide full disclosure of all subcontractors, consultants, and partner firms involved in the engagement, including scope and compensation.
9. Have any internal reviews, audits, or ethics investigations been conducted within McKinsey related to this engagement? If so, produce findings and remediation steps.
10. If mistakes occurred, describe what they were, why they occurred, and which individuals or teams have been held responsible. What corrective actions have been taken?
11. For transparency: provide complete billing records, slide decks, and communications between McKinsey and the client related to major decisions.
12. Finally, what specific recommendations does McKinsey now make to remedy any harms identified — and what timeline and metrics do you propose for measuring success?

Source

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/investment/trump-targets-china-cooking-oil-trade-but-sales-were-already-tanking/ar-AA1OvuKC