Date: 08/12/2025

In a context where sustainability and production efficiency have become priorities for the entire animal protein chain, the full use of resources is becoming increasingly relevant. Within this framework, animal fat stands out as a tangible example of the circular economy in action, a by-product that, through technology and innovation, is transformed into an ingredient for animal nutrition.

In this article, we will understand how the animal fat cycle works within the production chain, the role of the circular economy in this process, and how technological transformation has allowed this resource to become essential for the development of functional and sustainable ingredients.

The following topics will be covered:

From by-product to ingredient

The cycle begins with the processing of raw animal materials. After the separation of tissues during slaughter, the inedible by-products (offal, fats, carcasses) undergo a controlled cooking and stabilization process. The result is an animal oil/fat with high nutritional value, rich in essential fatty acids and highly digestible, capable of meeting the requirements of different species and production stages when applied in animal diets.

This reuse of animal fat represents a significant advance in the way the industry views its by-products: no longer as waste, but as valuable resources that can return to the chain with new functions and benefits.

The animal recycling industry in Brazil has more than a century of history, with its first industrial operations focused on the processing of by-products such as offal, carcasses, and bones. Over time, recycling has come to play a strategic role in environmental sustainability, especially in the animal protein sector, as it reduces the need for waste treatment in slaughterhouses, lowering environmental risks and costs.

Circular economy and sustainability in practice

The circular economy proposes a production model in which nothing is lost, everything is transformed. With regard to animal fat, this transformation is a clear example of how the animal nutrition industry contributes to a more sustainable system.

When reintroduced into the chain as an ingredient, processed fat contributes to closing the carbon cycle, preventing this material from being disposed of improperly and helping to mitigate the effects of global warming.

Companies operating in integrated supply chains, such as MBRF Ingredients, play an important role in this process. Integration and automation enable full traceability, quality control, and efficiency at all stages, from origin to processing and delivery of the input for use in industry.

Thus, each stage of the cycle reinforces the practice of innovation, food safety, and environmental responsibility. Animal fat is widely used in feed and nutritional supplements for various species, with functions that go beyond providing energy.

When applied to Animal Nutrition foods, in addition to increasing the palatability of diets, this ingredient acts in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, improves feed efficiency, and contributes to the physical and energy stability of formulations. More than a nutritional solution, animal fat has established itself as a technological ingredient capable of combining performance, sustainability, and innovation.

The relationship between animal fat and biodiesel

Biodiesel is a biofuel obtained through the reaction of animal or vegetable fats with alcohol, in a chemical process known as transesterification. In Brazil, the main raw materials used are soybean, corn, sunflower, peanut, cotton, canola, castor bean, babassu, palm (dendê), and macauba oils, as well as residual oils and fats from animal slaughter, which are becoming increasingly important in the energy sector.

More than just a clean technology, the use of biodiesel in fossil diesel oil significantly reduces pollutant emissions, contributing to a more sustainable energy matrix and improving the quality of life of the population. According to the Brazilian Biofuel Producers Association (Aprobio), the use of biodiesel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 94% compared to regular diesel.

Domestic production reflects this progress. According to data from the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), Brazil reached a new production record in August 2025: 924,500 m³ of biodiesel, an increase of 5.5% compared to July. Driven by the B15 mandate, the sector is expected to exceed 9.8 million m³ in 2025, consolidating the country's position among the world's largest producers.

In this scenario, the use of animal fat stands out as a strategic and sustainable alternative. In addition to converting waste into a renewable energy source, the process generates new economic opportunities, especially for small rural producers, through the demand for inputs such as anhydrous ethanol (derived from sugarcane) and the valorization of by-products such as glycerol, used in the manufacture of soaps and cosmetics.

Furthermore, biodiesel produced from animal fat can be used in heating systems for poultry and pig farms, creating an even more integrated and efficient production cycle, a true example of the circular economy in practice.

Here's how it works in practice: examples in Brazil

Pork fat: each pig produces about 8 kg of lard, enough to generate up to 750 ml of biodiesel per kilogram. Transesterification must be catalyzed by an acid agent, and preheating helps reduce viscosity.

Bovine tallow: Brazil produces 1.56 million tons per year, and each kilogram can generate 800 ml of biodiesel. Blends with vegetable oil help lower the freezing point, making the process more efficient and economical.

Final considerations

The use of animal fat for biodiesel production is a tangible example of how innovation can transform environmental challenges into sustainable opportunities. By converting a by-product into a source of clean energy, the sector contributes directly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening the circular economy.

More than just an alternative fuel, biodiesel represents a bridge between the animal protein chain and the future of Brazil's energy matrix—one that is more renewable, integrated, and responsible. The use of animal fats in this process reinforces the strategic role of recycling and reuse within a production model that seeks efficiency, added value, and lower environmental impact.

At MBRF Ingredients, the mission is to combine quality, innovation, and sustainability in each product, ensuring that the use of animal fats generates value for the entire production chain.

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