Brazilian meatpacker JBS announced on Monday that it is utilizing animal waste from its international operations to produce renewable aviation fuels, and is exploring a similar initiative in Brazil under its Friboi brand, reported Reuters.
According to JBS, the world’s largest meatpacker, over the past two years, 1.2 million metric tons of beef tallow and pork lard from its facilities in the United States, Canada, and Australia have been diverted to the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other renewable fuels.
In Brazil, Friboi has initiated studies to assess the feasibility of using animal waste for local SAF production, which is crucial for reducing carbon emissions in commercial aviation.
“We contribute to environmental conservation and support the aviation industry in its decarbonization efforts by repurposing animal waste,” stated Jason Weller, JBS’s global chief sustainability officer.
This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to responsible waste management and the circular economy.
Additionally, JBS is exploring the potential of producing renewable fuels for maritime use as an alternative to bunker oil through its subsidiary Biopower, which focuses on biodiesel production. Biopower operates three plants in Brazil that convert organic waste from cattle processing into biofuels.
JBS, controlled by J&F, a holding company owned by Brazilian billionaire brothers Joesley and Wesley Batista, has been actively expanding its efforts in sustainable energy initiatives.
