Chapter 5: Industry Waste-based Feedstocks

Environmental pollution and global warming caused by the emission of toxic gases into the atmosphere, together with the depletion of fossil fuels, have boosted the search for alternative and renewable fuels. In that regard, biodiesel, defined as monoalkyl esters of fatty acids, is considered a green fuel and a potential candidate to cope with the increased global energy demand. However, with the increase in the cost of the biodiesel production process, different types of feedstocks (known as second-generation feedstocks) for biodiesel production have been studied as promising alternatives to replace the first generation of biodiesel feedstocks. This chapter identifies different elements of industry waste feedstocks, such as animal fats, vegetable oils, and soapstocks, that have potential as suitable, sustainable, and affordable feedstocks for biodiesel synthesis. Further, the economic aspects, limitations, and environmental impact related to the utilization of these industrial wastes as feedstocks for biodiesel production and their economic impact on process feasibility are discussed.