Diesel from waste and residues

Currently nearly 80% of the raw materials in Neste’s renewable diesel are made up of waste and residues. The life-cycle CO2 emissions of renewable diesel are considerably lower compared to fossil diesel. Neste has shown that even large companies operating in a conventional industry can also generate innovative important new business.

Published

May 19, 2017

Problem

Fossil fuels for transport generate vast amounts of CO2 emissions. The earth’s resources are limited and competition for raw materials is increasing. Many waste and residue streams are currently underused. At the same time, the use of plastic materials is predicted to keep increasing. Sustainable development requires replacing crude oil with more responsible alternatives and, simultaneously, a solution must be found to the problems related to plastic waste.

Solution: Neste MY Renewable Diesel made from renewable raw materials

The majority of the raw materials used in the product are waste and residue fat and vegetable oils from the food manufacturing industry. In 2016, nearly 80% of the raw materials were waste and residues. The products offer 40 to 90% lower carbon dioxide emissions over a life cycle compared with fossil diesel. The product has been enabled by Neste’s investments in research and development in areas such as renewable raw materials and products and the NEXBTL technology.

Furthermore, Neste offers renewable solutions to, for example, the chemical and plastics industry. In addition, Neste explores the possibility of using waste plastics as raw material for fuels, chemicals and new plastics.

Revenue logic and benefits to Neste

Currently as much as 21% of net sales and 48% of operating profit (€469 million) come from renewable products. Ten years ago, the figures were close to zero. Neste is the world’s largest manufacturer of renewable products made with waste and residue.

Benefits to customers

For consumers, transport businesses, city authorities and distributors, Neste MY is a cost-effective alternative to the increased use of renewable energy and the reduction of CO2 emissions without investing in new vehicles. It also releases fewer impurities into the atmosphere (particulates: NOx, HC and CO emissions). The fuel is of high quality and odourless, it burns efficiently, is suitable for sub-zero conditions and doesn’t require any additional vehicle maintenance. It can be used, distributed and stored in the same way as regular diesel.

Project

The most interesting companies in the circular economy is a list compiled by Sitra to showcase Finland’s most inspiring examples of the circular economy. Sitra is using the list as a way to challenge Finnish companies to meet the changing needs of the world.