Overview
What Is Used Cooking Oil (UCO)?
Used cooking oil (UCO) is post-consumer vegetable oil collected from restaurants, commercial kitchens, food manufacturers and municipal collection systems. After degumming and filtration, it becomes one of the most cost-effective and widely available feedstocks for advanced biofuel production.
UCO is classified as a waste material under EU RED III Annex IX Part B, making it eligible for double-counting towards renewable energy targets. It is the primary feedstock for HEFA-SAF (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids), HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) and FAME biodiesel (UCOME) production globally.
Global UCO availability is estimated at around 5–6 million tonnes per year, with a structural shortage forecast as SAF mandates scale up under ReFuelEU Aviation. SUAT Fuels sources ISCC-certified UCO from established collection networks across Europe, Southeast Asia and North America.
Key Advantages
Why Used Cooking Oil (UCO) for Renewable Fuels?
Up to 88% GHG Savings
RED III default value: 83% lifecycle GHG reduction vs fossil diesel. SAF pathway achieves 64%+ lower carbon intensity than petroleum jet fuel.
RED III Annex IX Part B
Double-counted towards EU renewable energy mandates. Eligible for ReFuelEU SAF obligations from 2025. ISCC EU and ISCC CORSIA certified by SUAT.
Growing Demand, Limited Supply
SAF producers, HVO refiners and biodiesel plants all compete for UCO. Structural shortage expected by 2028 as aviation mandates ramp up — making long-term supply agreements increasingly valuable.
Flexible Logistics
Available in bulk vessels (1,000–20,000 MT), ISO tank containers (20 MT) and flexitanks. We handle all logistics, customs brokerage and port inspections.
Technical Data
Quality Specifications
Standard quality parameters for Used Cooking Oil (UCO) as supplied by SUAT Fuels. Contact us for batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA).
| Parameter | Typical Value | Limit | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Fatty Acids (FFA) | 3–5% | max 5% | AOCS Ca 5a-40 |
| Moisture, Impurities & Unsaponifiable (MIU) | <2% | max 2% | AOCS Ca 2b-38 |
| Iodine Value | ≥50 g I₂/100g | min 50 | AOCS Cd 1d-92 |
| Sulfur | <20 ppm | max 40 ppm | EN ISO 20846 |
| Phosphorus | <10 ppm | max 10 ppm | EN 14107 |
| Water Content | <350 ppm | max 350 ppm | EN ISO 12937 |
| Wax Content | <300 ppm | max 300 ppm | — |
| Flash Point | >150°C | — | ISO 2592 |
| Density at 15°C | 0.880–0.920 kg/L | — | EN ISO 3675 |
Compliance
Regulatory Status & Certifications
EU RED III — Annex IX Part B (Waste & Residue)
- Classified as waste under Annex IX Part B — eligible for double-counting towards EU renewable energy targets
- Subject to 1.7% transport energy cap by 2030 under ReFuelEU alongside other Part B feedstocks
- ISCC EU chain-of-custody certification required — SUAT Fuels holds active ISCC EU and ISCC CORSIA licences
- Eligible for ReFuelEU Aviation SAF mandate from 2025 (HEFA-SAF from UCO)
- Also listed under UK RTFO Schedule 2 for UK market supply
End Uses
Applications
HEFA-SAF
Primary pathway for ReFuelEU-eligible sustainable aviation fuel. Highest growth application globally through 2030.
HVO / Renewable Diesel
Neste MY, Eni HVOlution, Diamond Green — all use UCO as primary feedstock. Growing US and EU demand.
FAME Biodiesel (UCOME)
UCO Methyl Ester for B7/B10/B20 blending. EN 14214 compliant. Well-established market in EU.
Co-processing
Direct co-feed into petroleum refinery hydrotreaters for renewable content in conventional diesel pools.
Supply Geography
Origins & Availability
SUAT Fuels sources UCO from EU collection networks (Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Poland), Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia — palm-origin UCO with lower iodine value, requires origin declaration) and North America (US food service industry). EU-origin UCO commands a premium due to traceability and lower fraud risk.