There’s no doubt about it. Renewable energy is the way forward. 

With the world’s fossil fuels quickly depleting, sustainable energy solutions are becoming more sought after than ever. One such solution is biofuel. 

But what is biofuel? How is it made? And how can it help your business? 

What are biofuels? 

Biofuels are renewable fuels that are created quickly from plant, algal or animal biomass. 

They are an alternative to non-renewable fossil fuels that have formed over millions of years and cannot be replaced.  

What are the types of biofuel?

There are many different types of biofuel available, though some are more widely used than others. The main sorts you are likely to come across are: 

• Biodiesel: Vegetable oils and animal fats are used to make biodiesel through a process called transesterification. In simple terms, the triglycerides in the fats and oils are turned into things called methyl or ethyl esters, which are the main components of biodiesel. This sustainable fuel is mainly used in diesel cars, either in its pure form or combined with petrol. 

• Bioethanol: This fuel type is made from plants like cane, sugar beet and food crops. They are broken down in a fermentation process to produce ethanol which is the primary component in bioethanol. It is most often used to power cars but also has other applications, such as powering fireplaces.  

• Biogas: This is a type of gas that is formed from a process called anaerobic digestion. Organic matter, like food waste or sewage, is broken down by bacteria in tanks to produce gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, the latter of which is a main component of biogas. Because the gases are formed from the breakdown of organic matter, which has absorbed gases to grow, there is an element of carbon neutrality. Using biogas also decreases our reliance on non-renewable fuels. 

Here at Bio Collectors, we’re all about reducing waste and producing biofuel. We collect food waste from companies across London and transport it to our state-of-the-art anaerobic digestion facility. 

Biogas is produced from this process and pumped directly into the National Grid to power homes and businesses across the country. Digestate is also formed from this process and is used to fertilise fields, making us a truly closed-loop process. To find out more about our organic waste recycling, take a look at this page.

What are the benefits of biofuels? 

There are many benefits of biofuels, which include: 

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions 
• Decreasing dependence on fossil fuels 
• Improving engine performance 
• Utilising waste to create energy 
• Supporting rural communities 

As you can see, it’s well worth investigating the world of biofuels to support a greener future for all. If you own a business, you can also do your bit while enjoying easy and convenient food waste collection and management with our help. 

Got commercial food waste on your hands? Transform it into energy to power the future. Here at Bio Collectors, we conveniently collect food from your business and recycle it to sustainably fuel homes and businesses across the country. Be part of the solution and chat to us today. We’re always happy to help.