BASF: Biodiesel from cooking oil
11 April 2017
BASF SE
Description
Over the last few years, biodiesel (the production of fuel from renewable raw material or waste) has become a real alternative to conventional fuels. Biodiesel is made, among other things, from cooking oils and animal fats. Catalysts are used to help turn these oils into biodiesel in chemical processes. A highly effective catalyst for processing of these particular feed-stock materials is potassium methylate (K-Methylate). K-Methylate is produced at BASF’s Ludwigshafen Verbund site.
Added value
- Biodiesel from cooking oil or animal fat substitutes can save up to 85% of GHG emissions compared to conventional Diesel.
- Biodiesel satisfies engine manufacturers’ calls for high-quality fuel.
- Recycling of used cooking oil or animal fat resolves the dilemma arising from the land-use competition with crops for food and feed, such as rape-seed.
Challenges
- Logistics: matching the fragmented availability with the demand of regular supply of large biodiesel batches.
Contact
Dr. Paul-Michael Bever, Senior Manager Industry Advocacy & Environmental Policy
+49 621 60-22525