Biodiesel, Renewable Diesel and SAF – What are they? What are the Benefits?

Your fryer is a vital part of your business, turning out golden fries and crispy chicken. But have you ever thought about what happens to all that used cooking oil you recycle? What if that same oil could take on a powerful second life, helping to fuel trucks and airplanes while also benefiting your business? The truth is, that used cooking oil from your restaurant is a valuable resource, and it’s a key ingredient in creating advanced, cleaner-burning fuels.

This blog post will break down three of these innovative fuels—Biodiesel, Renewable Diesel, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)—and explain their differences. We’ll also cover why your role in recycling used cooking oil is so important and how it can directly benefit your bottom line and public image.

Biodiesel: The Original Biofuel

When people talk about biofuels, they’re usually thinking of biodiesel. It’s a diesel-equivalent fuel made from a variety of natural, renewable sources, including used cooking oil (also known as yellow grease), animal fats, and vegetable oils. For a long time, it has been the most common type of biofuel available.

Creating biodiesel involves a chemical process called transesterification. In simple terms, this reaction converts fats and oils into biodiesel and a byproduct, glycerin. Think of it as a chemical transformation that refines the raw material into a usable fuel. Biodiesel is typically used as a blend with traditional petroleum diesel, such as B20, which contains 20% biodiesel. This blended fuel can be used in most diesel engines without any major modifications, making it a reliable option for a wide range of vehicles. However, at very low temperatures biodiesel can run into performance issues.

Renewable Diesel: The Perfect Match

While it might sound like biodiesel, renewable diesel is actually a different product entirely. The main distinction is that renewable diesel is chemically identical to petroleum diesel. This makes it a “drop-in” fuel, meaning it can be used in its pure form (100% concentration, or B100) and transported through the existing infrastructure of pipelines and storage tanks without any compatibility issues. This is why renewable diesel is displacing biodiesel.

The production of renewable diesel relies on a process called hydrotreating or hydrogenation. This process refines the same sustainable feedstocks—like your used cooking oil—using hydrogen to produce a fuel that is chemically indistinguishable from regular petroleum diesel. This key difference makes renewable diesel a more versatile and scalable option, as it doesn’t require separate storage or specialized engine modifications.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): The Future of Flight

The third fuel, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, is making waves in an industry that needs to drastically reduce its carbon footprint: aviation. SAF is a jet fuel made from sustainable sources, and just like renewable diesel, it can be produced from used cooking oil. This means the used oil from your restaurant could help power a plane.

The aviation sector is challenging to decarbonize because electric and hydrogen alternatives are not yet viable for long-haul flights. This makes SAF a critical part of the solution. When blended with traditional jet fuel, SAF can significantly reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. SAF reduces greenhouse gases up to 94% versus conventional jet fuel. The aviation industry is actively investing in SAF, recognizing it as one of the most effective ways to make air travel more sustainable.

The Benefits: Why Your Business Matters

So, what does all of this have to do with you and your restaurant? By recycling your used cooking oil, you’re not just getting rid of waste; you’re actively contributing to the production of these advanced fuels. This simple choice has a ripple effect that benefits both the environment and your business.

First, there’s the environmental impact. By diverting used cooking oil from waste streams, you’re helping to reduce the overall carbon footprint of transportation. It’s an important way to help fight climate change. But beyond that, there are real business benefits. Used cooking oil can be a source of income, as many recyclers pay for the waste oil you produce. Additionally, your commitment to sustainability can be a powerful marketing tool. Today’s customers, especially those in Colorado, are increasingly environmentally conscious, and showcasing a positive sustainability story on your website or social media can attract new customers and build loyalty.The simple decision to properly recycle your used cooking oil contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable future for everyone. It’s a powerful step that helps reduce waste and create a new source of energy from a product you already have.

The differences between biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel are described in the table below.

Fuel	What It Is	Where It’s Used	Why It Matters
Biodiesel	A fuel made from recycled cooking oil and other natural fats.	Mixed with regular diesel to run trucks, buses, and other vehicles.	Cuts pollution, gives waste oil a second life, and works in most diesel engines.
Renewable Diesel	A cleaner version of diesel that’s almost identical to regular diesel—but renewable.	Works on its own in any diesel engine and can use the same pipelines and pumps as regular diesel.	Burns cleaner, no engine changes needed, and is quickly replacing biodiesel.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)	A renewable jet fuel made partly from used cooking oil.	Blended with regular jet fuel to power planes.	Reduces airplane emissions by up to 94%, helping make air travel more sustainable.