JBS Biopower’s “Óleo Amigo” Program: Scaling Circular Solutions in the F&B Industry
For food and beverage (F&B) professionals, waste management is no longer just a line item—it is a strategic pillar of the circular economy. JBS, through its energy arm JBS Biopower, has reached a historic milestone by transforming 50 million liters of used cooking oil (UCO) into high-quality biodiesel over the last decade.
As of March 2026, the “Óleo Amigo” (Friendly Oil) JBS BIOPOWER program has not only optimized waste logistics but has also preserved a staggering 1 trillion liters of water—the equivalent of 400,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
A Record-Breaking Year for Sustainable Energy
The program hit its operational peak in 2025, collecting 11.3 million liters of oil in a single year. This 2025 record was largely driven by JBS BIOPOWER strategic expansion into Mato Grosso, specifically the Campo Verde region. In its first 12 months of operation, the Mato Grosso hub contributed 2 million liters to the total volume, proving that regional expansion is key to scaling national sustainability targets.
“Just one liter of oil discarded down the sink can contaminate up to 25,000 liters of water,” says Alexandre Pereira, Commercial Director of JBS Biopower. “What we do is interrupt this pollution cycle and transform a waste problem into an energy solution.”
Key Metrics for F&B Professionals
For the hospitality and food processing sectors, these numbers represent more than environmental stewardship; they reflect a robust, market-ready supply chain:
- Total Collection (Decade): 50 million liters of UCO.
- Annual Record (2025): 11.3 million liters.
- Production Capacity: Biopower’s three plants (Lins, Campo Verde, and Mafra) exceed 900 million liters of biodiesel annually.
- Carbon Mitigation: The operation has prevented the emission of approximately 9 million tons of CO₂.
- Reach: Active in nearly 115 municipalities across São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Mato Grosso, and Santa Catarina.
Why This Matters for the F&B Supply Chain
- Cost and Infrastructure Savings: Improper oil disposal clogs sewage systems and leads to high maintenance costs. By integrating with Óleo Amigo, businesses reduce their burden on public and private sanitation infrastructure.
- Verified Circular Economy: JBS currently utilizes 99% of each processed bovine animal. The conversion of UCO into biodiesel ensures that even post-consumer waste is reintegrated into the value chain.
- Revenue for Cooperatives: Biopower acts as a market guarantor, having purchased over 430 million liters of oil from independent collectors and cooperatives since 2015, strengthening the socio-economic fabric of the recycling industry.
- Community Impact: The program has partnered with nearly 700 institutions, impacting 65,000 people through education initiatives that return benefits to participating schools and social organizations.
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Sources & Reference Data
| Source Title | Publication | URL |
| JBS program transforms 50 million liters of UCO | Euro Meat News | View Article |
| JBS transforms 50M liters of oil into biodiesel | Compre Rural | View Article |
| JBS achievement in waste management | Click Petróleo e Gás | View Article |
| Biopower R$ 140M Investment in Modernization | Euro Meat News | View Article |
| Circular Economy Breakthrough: UCO to Biodiesel | ResearchGate | View Article |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How does the Óleo Amigo program benefit local restaurants?
The program provides a reliable, scheduled collection service for used cooking oil, preventing plumbing issues and helping establishments meet environmental regulations. In many cases, it also generates income for the cooperatives that service these restaurants.
2. What happens to the oil after it is collected?
The oil undergoes rigorous analysis for acidity and impurities. Once verified, it is sent to Biopower’s industrial plants where it is transformed into biodiesel via a process called transesterification (and more recently, enzymatic esterification).
3. Is biodiesel made from UCO as efficient as traditional diesel?
Yes. Biodiesel is a “drop-in” fuel that can be used in existing diesel engines without modification. It significantly reduces particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-based diesel.
4. How does JBS track the environmental impact of the program?
JBS calculates impact based on established environmental data (e.g., Sabesp figures), which show that 1 liter of oil can contaminate 25,000 liters of water. By tracking the total volume collected, they can quantify the total liters of water preserved.
5. Can my business join the Óleo Amigo network?
Currently, the program operates in over 115 municipalities across five Brazilian states. Businesses in these areas can contact Biopower through their official channels (WhatsApp and email) to schedule collections.
