Food Waste and Catering Waste; Focus on Valorisation of Used Cooking Oil and Recovered Triglycerides - The Economic Utilisation of Food Co-Products - page 98

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Figure 6.6 Biodiesel production from UCO.

An interesting example reported in literature obtained CaO from FW
(e.g. eggshell and mollusc shells by calcination) which could catalyse the
production of FAME from pre-esterified UCOs into biodiesel. 51 The use of an
inexpensive source for the production of an active catalyst can improve the cost
competitiveness of the process. Enzymatic conversion has also been successfully
evaluated, showing great potential for the development of a commercially
available lipase-based process for the conversion into biodiesel of high FFA
content UCOs. 52
Employed feedstocks include waste frying, olive, rapeseed or sunflower oils,
and rendered animal fats as well as others sourced from food industries, 53
restaurants and catering facilities that are largely exposed to air, high
temperatures and moisture, 54 all parameters that increase FFA content in
oil. 55
In summary, UCO is currently one of the most attractive feedstocks for the
production of biodiesel. Its lower market cost in comparison with virgin oils
and recovered factory oil, favourable government incentives, 56 plus the possi-
bility to recycle waste from the catering sectors, make UCO-derived FAME
a commercially and environmentally acceptable

feedstock for biofuel

production. 57
A relevant development in the area showing the potential for the valorisation
of UCO and other co-products (tallow, yellow grease, etc.) is exemplified by
North Cave Ltd. (Figure 6.7), a new company formed as a joint venture by
Brocklesby Ltd. and Greenergy Biofuels. The company will be aiming to
process ca. 50 ktonne of high-FFA UCOs and tallow blends via acid esterifi-
cation as pre-treatment for the production of biodiesel by mid-2013. This new
company will allow Greenergy to become the largest biofuel producer from
waste products in the world.