Latest quality protocol set to boost user confidence in biodiesel derived from used cooking oil and rendered animal fats
A new Quality Protocol published by the Waste Protocols Project - a joint WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) and Environment Agency initiative - will give end users of biodiesel derived from waste cooking oil and rendered animal fats greater confidence when sourcing this renewable fuel.
The Quality Protocol safeguards the quality of outputs from compliant producers, making it easier for industry to divert waste from lower value uses or disposal and into the production of quality biodiesel.
It is anticipated the Quality Protocol will benefit both producers and end users by increasing the amount of biodiesel produced. The Protocol may also lead to an increase in the amount of waste cooking oil collected for biodiesel production, helping industry to meet the Government’s Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO), which sets staggered targets for the uptake of biofuels over the coming years.
Biodiesel derived from waste cooking oil and rendered animal fats was previously considered to be waste until the point it was burned in an engine. The new Quality Protocol moves this point of recovery further ‘up’ the supply chain – to the point where the fuel meets the requirements of an approved standard for use as an automotive or heating fuel.
In addition to the environmental benefits of making it financially more attractive to recycle waste cooking oil and rendered animal fats, the introduction of the Quality Protocol will also increase the overall value of the biodiesel market, with the benefits shared between all stages of the recycling supply chain.
End users can have confidence that Quality Protocol compliant biodiesel will be of a consistent and assured quality. Poor quality biodiesel has been known to cause damage to engines.
Furthermore, distributors of quality biodiesel will now no longer have to pay for permits or exemptions from waste regulation, meaning they will benefit from a reduction in both their costs and their administrative burden.
Marcus Gover, Director of Market Development at WRAP, said: “The Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation is a significant driver for the expansion of the biodiesel market and represents opportunity for growth among reprocessors of waste cooking oil.
“The Government has agreed that at least five per cent of fuel consumed in the UK must be biofuels by 2010/11. In light of this target, the Quality Protocol has an important role to play in increasing both the quantity and quality of fuel available to vehicle owners and assuring them of the material’s quality.”
Martin Brocklehurst, the Environment Agency’s Head of Environment and Business Partnerships, said: “The production of biodiesel yields both environmental and financial benefits. The Quality Protocol – End of Waste programme removes commercial barriers to the reuse of discarded raw materials, which leads to carbon savings and reduces the burden of regulation whilst maintaining protection for our environment. I’m confident this Quality Protocol will be welcomed by businesses operating across the biodiesel production and distribution supply chain.”
The Quality Protocol for biodiesel can be downloaded from the Environment Agency website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk.
Editor's notes
About WRAP:
- WRAP helps individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more, making better use of resources and helping to tackle climate change.
- Established as a not-for-profit company in 2000, WRAP is backed by government funding from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Working in seven key areas (Construction, Retail, Manufacturing, Organics, Business Growth, Behavioural Change, and Local Authority Support), WRAP’s work focuses on market development and support to drive forward recycling and materials resource efficiency within these sectors, as well as wider communications and awareness activities including the multi-media national Recycle Now campaign for England.
- More information on all of WRAP's programmes can be found on www.wrap.org.uk
About the Environment Agency: The Environment Agency is the leading public body for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. It's our job to make sure that air, land and water are looked after by everyone in today's society, so that tomorrow's generations inherit a cleaner, healthier world. More information on the Environment Agency’s work can be found at www.environment-agency.gov.uk