The Next Generation: How Sustainability is Reshaping Glycerine's Raw Material Landscape

The conversation around crude glycerine's raw materials is evolving. Today, the question is no longer just "what" is the feedstock, but "how" it was produced. Driven by regulatory pressure and corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, sustainability and innovation are becoming powerful commercial drivers, reshaping the future of the glycerine supply chain.

Positioning for the future means aligning with sustainable and traceable supply chains. Tradeasia International is committed to this vision, actively expanding its portfolio to include certified sustainable palm oleochemicals and providing the transparency needed to meet the evolving demands of a conscious global market.

From Waste to Value: The Rise of Second-Generation Feedstocks

A significant trend is the growing importance of waste-based, or "second-generation," raw materials. Used Cooking Oil (UCO) is at the forefront of this movement. Globally, UCO collection is expanding at a CAGR of 4.5%, with biodiesel producers in Europe and the US paying premiums of $150-$250 per ton for UCO over virgin vegetable oils. This demand is creating a new, valuable source for crude glycerine that also boasts a lower carbon intensity, making it highly attractive for companies with ambitious sustainability targets.

Certification as the New Currency of Trade

For traditional feedstocks, sustainability certification has become the new currency. In the palm oil sector, this is exemplified by Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO). As of 2025, over 20% of the world's palm oil—more than 15 million metric tons—is RSPO-certified. For businesses looking to access markets in Europe and North America, sourcing CSPO-derived glycerine is quickly becoming non-negotiable to comply with regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). An industry leader recently emphasized, "In the coming years, proof of sustainability won't be a premium feature; it will be the price of entry. Sourcing certified material is no longer optional, it is fundamental."

Sources:

1. Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO): Impact & Statistics Reports.

2. Oleochemicals Asia: The Growing Market for Sustainable Oleochemicals.

3. MarketsandMarkets: Used Cooking Oil (UCO) Market Report.