Article

Used cooking oil has become a strategic feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), driving competition among the US, China, and Europe. In 2024, global SAF production reached 1 million tons, doubling from 2023 but still representing only 0.3% of the aviation sector's kerosene consumption of 350 million tons annually.

Regulatory mandates are pushing for increased SAF use, with the EU requiring 2% SAF by 2025. Major producers like Neste project capacity expansions, yet the supply of used cooking oil is insufficient to meet future demand. This has led to investments in alternative feedstocks and technologies.