Avfuel Corporation's Historic First Delivery of Sustainable Aviation Fuel from Darling Ingredients' Diamond Green Diesel

Avfuel Corporation's Sustainable Aviation Fuel Milestone

Darling Ingredients Inc. has recently made headlines with the announcement of a pivotal achievement in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. On December 10, 2024, they revealed that Avfuel Corporation, a key player in aviation fuel supply, has taken the first delivery of SAF produced by Diamond Green Diesel (DGD). This joint venture between Darling Ingredients and Valero Energy Corporation is making strides towards reducing aviation's carbon emissions significantly.

The historic delivery occurred at Naples Aviation, located in Naples, Florida (KAPF), and marks the first instance where Avfuel will sell SAF for general use in the eastern United States. This supply is a part of an agreement between Avfuel and Valero Marketing and Supply Company, which emphasizes the commitment of these companies to promote cleaner energy solutions.

The sustainable aviation fuel provided by DGD is produced from waste-based feedstocks, such as used cooking oil, animal tallow, and distiller's corn oil. Remarkably, this neatly produced SAF boasts a lifecycle greenhouse gas emission reduction of up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. This significant reduction in emissions aligns with global sustainability goals and highlights DGD's role as a leader in the renewable energy sector.

Randall C. Stuewe, the Chairman and CEO of Darling Ingredients, expressed pride in this achievement, stating, "As the world's largest producer of SAF made from waste-based feedstocks, DGD is leading the way in reducing aviation's carbon footprint and accelerating the decarbonization of the aviation sector." This landmark delivery illustrates Darling Ingredients' commitment to transforming waste into renewable energy at a substantial scale, thus driving progress toward a more sustainable future.

The Port Arthur facility of DGD, located in Texas, loaded its first shipment of SAF on November 16, 2024. The facility has successfully converted about 50% of its annual capacity of 470 million gallons to produce SAF, positioning it to emerge as one of the largest SAF manufacturers on the global stage.

Darling Ingredients operates over 260 facilities in more than 15 countries worldwide, processing approximately 15% of the globe's animal agricultural by-products. The company’s innovative approach allows them to convert these by-products into valuable ingredients for various uses while also generating significant amounts of renewable energy. In fact, they are responsible for around 30% of the world's collagen production, which includes both gelatin and hydrolyzed collagen.

As the aviation industry grapples with the urgent need to tackle climate change, developments such as this cannot be understated. The partnership between Darling Ingredients and Avfuel marks a crucial step towards a greener future through the effective implementation of sustainable aviation fuel, reflecting a broader trend toward circular economic practices in energy production.

For those interested in actualizing a sustainable future, this development serves as a beacon of hope and a model for future initiatives in not just aviation, but all sectors reliant on fossil fuels. By prioritizing sustainability through innovative products, companies like Darling Ingredients are paving the way for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

To learn more about Darling Ingredients and their sustainability initiatives, visit their official website at darlingii.com. Follow them on LinkedIn for real-time updates on their groundbreaking projects and advancements in the circular economy.

Conclusion

This milestone in the sustainable aviation fuel sector not only reflects the innovative spirit driving Darling Ingredients and Avfuel Corporation but also sets a precedent for other industries to follow in pursuit of a low-carbon future. By embracing sustainable practices and advancements in technology, we can significantly impact reducing greenhouse gas emissions and driving forward the global transition to renewable energy.