Reducing dependence on petroleum and finding new uses for waste are among today’s major environmental challenges. One such waste stream is used cooking oil, which is generated daily in households, restaurants and the food industry. When not properly managed, it can cause environmental problems, but it also represents a valuable resource with significant potential for the production of renewable fuels and sustainable materials.
In this context, Brais Vázquez Vázquez carried out research at CRETUS to explore different approaches for valorising used cooking oil within the framework of the circular economy. Supervised by Almudena Hospido Quintana and Ángeles Val del Río, the study compared several valorisation pathways, ranging from biodiesel and energy production to the manufacture of biodegradable bioplastics. Environmental and economic assessment tools were used to evaluate the impacts of these technologies throughout their entire life cycle.
The findings show that there is no single optimal solution for the valorisation of used cooking oil, as each alternative presents both advantages and limitations. However, the study identifies bioplastics as a particularly promising long-term option, helping to reduce reliance on fossil-based materials and supporting more sustainable carbon management, provided that both production processes and end-of-life treatment are further optimised.