Global Used Cooking Oil Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In November 2021, The UCO Group acquired a major processing plant in Eastern Europe to expand its used cooking oil recycling capabilitiesn February 2022, Darling Ingredients announced the launch of a new sustainable production process for converting used cooking oil into renewable diesel .

• In 2023, Renewi plc partnered with a key global waste management company to enhance the global collection and processing network for used cooking oil .

The Global Used Cooking Oil (UCO) Market is segmented by source, application, and geography. By source, the market includes categories such as household, commercial, and industrial. This segmentation helps in understanding the origins of UCO and the distinct characteristics and quantities generated from each source. By application, the market is divided into biodiesel production, animal feed, oleochemicals, and others. This highlights the diverse uses of UCO across various industries, emphasizing its importance in renewable energy, agriculture, and chemical manufacturing.

Geographically, the UCO market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. This segmentation provides insights into the regional distribution and market dynamics of UCO, considering factors such as regional consumption patterns, regulatory frameworks, and market growth drivers. Each region has unique trends and opportunities, contributing to the global UCO market's overall development and sustainability efforts.

Global Used Cooking Oil Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Used Cooking Oil Market has been segmented by Source, Application and Geography.

Global Used Cooking Oil Market, Segmentation by Source

The Global Used Cooking Oil Market has been segmented by Source into Household Sector and Commercial Sector.

This sector often sees a lower volume of UCO but is significant due to the large number of households contributing to the overall supply. The commercial sector, on the other hand, includes UCO generated from restaurants, hotels, and other food service establishments. This sector tends to produce a higher volume of UCO, making it a crucial source for industrial applications. The characteristics and purity of UCO from commercial sources are generally more consistent, making it more desirable for large-scale processing and utilization.

Geographically, the UCO market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. Each region exhibits unique market dynamics influenced by factors such as regional dietary habits, regulatory frameworks, and the presence of biodiesel production facilities. For instance, Europe has a well-established UCO collection and processing infrastructure, driven by stringent regulations promoting renewable energy. North America is seeing increased adoption of UCO in biodiesel production due to supportive policies and a growing focus on sustainability. Asia Pacific, with its large population and expanding food service industry, presents significant growth opportunities in the UCO market. These regional insights are essential for understanding the global market trends and identifying strategic opportunities for market players.

Global Used Cooking Oil Market, Segmentation by Application

The Global Used Cooking Oil Market has been segmented by Application into Biodiesel, Oleo Chemicals, Animal feed and Others.

UCO serves as an efficient and cost-effective feedstock for biodiesel, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuels. Oleo chemicals, another significant application, involve the use of UCO in the production of soaps, detergents, and other chemical products. The chemical composition of UCO makes it a valuable raw material for these industries. Additionally, UCO is used in animal feed, providing a source of fat and energy for livestock. The "others" category includes various niche applications, such as the production of lubricants and additives.

Geographically, the UCO market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. Each region demonstrates distinct market characteristics and growth drivers. For example, Europe is a leader in UCO utilization for biodiesel due to robust regulatory support and well-developed collection systems. North America is witnessing growing interest in UCO for biodiesel and oleo chemicals, driven by sustainability initiatives and technological advancements. In Asia Pacific, the expanding food service industry and rising awareness about waste management are boosting UCO collection and utilization. The Middle East and Africa, along with Latin America, are emerging markets with increasing focus on renewable energy and sustainable practices, presenting new opportunities for UCO applications.

Global Used Cooking Oil Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Used Cooking Oil Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Used Cooking Oil Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

North America and Europe are leading regions in the UCO market, driven by stringent environmental regulations, advanced waste management systems, and strong demand for biodiesel. These regions have well-established collection infrastructures and government incentives promoting the recycling of used cooking oil. In Europe, countries like Germany and the Netherlands are notable for their high levels of UCO collection and biodiesel production.

In contrast, the Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth in the UCO market due to its expanding food service industry and increasing awareness of sustainable practices. Countries like China and India are significant contributors to this growth, with efforts to improve UCO collection and utilization. The Middle East and Africa, along with Latin America, are emerging markets with rising initiatives for renewable energy and waste reduction. These regions are gradually developing their UCO collection and processing capabilities, presenting new opportunities for market expansion and investment. Overall, the geographical segmentation highlights the diverse market dynamics and potential for growth in different parts of the world.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Used Cooking Oil Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers :

• Stringent Regulations

• Applications Beyond Biodiesel - The Global Used Cooking Oil (UCO) Market extends its applications beyond biodiesel into various other sectors, including oleo chemicals, animal feed, and niche industries. In the oleo chemicals sector, UCO is utilized to produce products such as soaps, detergents, and other chemical formulations, capitalizing on its fatty acid content. This application not only provides a cost-effective raw material but also promotes sustainability by repurposing waste oil. In the animal feed industry, UCO serves as an energy-rich ingredient, offering a source of fat that is essential for livestock nutrition. This use of UCO helps in reducing feed costs and supports waste reduction initiatives in agriculture.

  UCO finds applications in niche markets such as the production of industrial lubricants, greases, and various additives. These applications leverage the chemical properties of UCO, making it a versatile component in different manufacturing processes. The utilization of UCO in these areas not only adds economic value to what would otherwise be waste but also aligns with global sustainability goals by promoting recycling and reducing environmental impact. As industries continue to seek sustainable and cost-effective raw materials, the market for UCO in non-biodiesel applications is poised for significant growth.

Restraints :

• Logistics and Collection Infrastructure

• Competition from Other Feedstocks - The Global Used Cooking Oil (UCO) Market faces competition from other feedstocks in the production of biodiesel and oleo chemicals. Traditional feedstocks like soybean oil, palm oil, and rapeseed oil are widely used due to their abundant supply and established agricultural infrastructure. These oils have higher purity and consistent quality, which can make processing more straightforward compared to UCO. Additionally, newer feedstocks such as algae and jatropha are being explored for their potential in biodiesel production, offering high yields and sustainability benefits. The competition from these alternative feedstocks can impact the demand and pricing of UCO, especially in regions where these other sources are readily available and cost-effective.

  However, UCO holds a unique position in the market due to its waste-to-resource nature, which aligns with global sustainability and circular economy goals. Utilizing UCO helps reduce environmental pollution and promotes waste recycling, giving it a competitive edge in regulatory environments focused on green practices. Moreover, the cost of UCO can be lower than virgin oils, providing economic advantages for biodiesel producers. As industries and governments increasingly prioritize waste reduction and renewable energy, the demand for UCO is likely to remain robust despite the competition from other feedstocks. This dynamic creates a balanced market where UCO and other feedstocks coexist, each contributing to the overall growth of the biodiesel and oleo chemical industries.

Opportunities :

• Technological Advancements

• Growing Awareness - The Global Used Cooking Oil (UCO) Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing awareness of environmental sustainability and waste management practices. Governments and environmental organizations worldwide are promoting the collection and recycling of used cooking oil to reduce environmental pollution and promote renewable energy sources. Campaigns and educational initiatives are raising awareness among households and businesses about the benefits of properly disposing of UCO, leading to higher collection rates and a more reliable supply for industrial applications. This growing awareness is also encouraging the development of more efficient and widespread collection infrastructure, making it easier for both individuals and commercial establishments to participate in UCO recycling programs.

  The rising demand for biodiesel as an alternative to fossil fuels is a major factor propelling the UCO market. As biodiesel production gains traction, UCO is increasingly recognized as a valuable feedstock due to its cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Industries such as oleo chemicals and animal feed are also benefiting from this trend, as they find innovative ways to utilize UCO in their production processes. Overall, the increasing awareness of the environmental and economic advantages of recycling used cooking oil is a key driver of market growth, fostering advancements in collection methods and expanding the range of applications for UCO.

Key players in Global Used Cooking Oil Market include

• Valley Proteins, Inc
• Proper Oils Company Ltd
• Baker Commodities Inc
• Arrow Oils Ltd
• Olleco
• Waste Oil Recyclers
• Grand Natural Inc
• GREASECYCLE
• Brocklesby Limited
• Oz Oils Pty Ltd

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis