Executive Summary
Feedstocks are now at the intersection of food, fuels, SAF, renewable diesel and decarbonisation. Crop-based inputs still dominate, but waste-based feedstocks are shifting from niche to strategic commodity. Procurement is driven by conflict, trade shifts and policy, not just cost.
Key Findings
-
01
60% of ethanol feedstocks come from
maize, 22% from sugarcane
-
02
70% of biomass-based diesel feedstocks are
vegetable oils, 24% from used cooking oil/tallow
-
03
52% of global vegetable oil goes
to food, 18% already goes to biomass diesel
-
04
Vegetable oil use for biomass diesel in Indonesia
12.6 Mt by 2034
-
05
Current system is still heavily agriculture-anchored,
even as waste pathways expand
Key Findings
- 60% of ethanol feedstocks come from maize, 22% from sugarcane
- 70% of biomass-based diesel feedstocks are vegetable oils, 24% from used cooking oil/tallow
- 52% of global vegetable oil goes to food, 18% already goes to biomass diesel
- Vegetable oil use for biomass diesel in Indonesia: 12.6 Mt by 2034
- Current system is still heavily agriculture-anchored, even as waste pathways expand
Key Insights
- Agriculture vs Energy: Vegetable oils are the main collision point between food and fuel demand. Brazil drives the global sugar-to-fuel swing.
- Waste-based feedstocks: 81% of EU SAF in 2024 came from used cooking oil. ∼30% growth expected in global biogas/biomethane demand 2024–2030.
- New commodity class: Waste feedstock access now depends on collection, certification, traceability, and long-term contracts, not spot markets.
- Conflict & trade: Wars, freight disruption, and policy screens now directly shape feedstock strategy. World Bank projects 24% energy price increase in 2026.
What This Report Delivered
• A practical advisory framework for buyers, investors, developers and policy teams covering:
• Feedstock competition: Food vs fuel tension points
• Waste-based opportunities: UCO, tallow, ag residues, biomethane
• Regional market signals: US, Brazil, Indonesia, India, EU battlegrounds
• Commercial action priorities: Portfolio strategy, traceability, conflict stress-testing
What This Means for Event Companies
The report maps stakeholder needs to specific event formats. High-impact formats include:
• Grower briefing for farmers facing crop-to-fuel optionality
• Procurement workshop for food processors competing with biofuel buyers
• Strategy roundtable for refiners needing traceable feedstocks
• Risk review for import-dependent economies exposed to edible oil shocks
• Policy forum for governments balancing food security, climate, and energy
