Why Certification and Transparency Matter More Than Ever

In today’s race toward decarbonization, used cooking oil (UCO) has emerged as a critical feedstock for renewable fuels, especially Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). However, as demand grows exponentially, ensuring the authenticity and sustainability of UCO has become one of the industry’s most pressing challenges. Certification and transparency are no longer optional — they are the foundation for trust, market access, and long-term success.

1. The Growing Demand for Certification

Buyers — from airlines to refineries to regulatory authorities — are scrutinizing UCO supply chains more than ever. Why? Because without proper certification, there is no guarantee that UCO is genuinely sourced from waste streams, rather than from illicit or virgin sources.

Key drivers behind certification demand include:

• Authenticity Verification: Ensuring the UCO was truly collected from used sources, not freshly produced oils.
• Sustainability Standards: Meeting rigorous international standards like ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) or RSB (Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials).
• Regulatory Compliance: Governments are tightening rules to prevent fraudulent claims, driven by programs like the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) and CORSIA’s SAF eligibility frameworks.
• Chain of Custody Traceability: Buyers want full visibility — from restaurant fryer to refinery tank — to prove every liter’s origin and movement.

Without credible certification, UCO suppliers risk being shut out of critical markets and losing buyer trust permanently.

2. Shaphargroup’s Commitment to Integrity

At Shaphargroup, we believe that credibility is earned, not claimed.

Our strategy is built on:

• Third-Party Certification: We prioritize achieving and maintaining internationally recognized certifications like ISCC, RSB, and others tailored to specific regional requirements.
• Auditable Chain of Custody Systems: Every drop of UCO we supply can be traced back to its origin through verifiable documentation and digital tracking.
• Continuous Operational Audits: We welcome frequent audits by independent verifiers to ensure full compliance, authentication, and to catch and correct any inconsistencies early.
• Proactive Transparency: Beyond meeting regulatory expectations, we voluntarily share supply chain data with our major buyers to build deeper trust partnerships.

In short, integrity isn’t a checkbox — it’s the backbone of how Shaphargroup operates. We view transparency as a competitive advantage in a market increasingly intolerant of greenwashing.

3. The Future: Blockchain and AI in UCO Traceability

As sustainability standards evolve, so must the technology behind verifying UCO’s journey.

Looking ahead:

• Blockchain Solutions: Immutable digital ledgers will record every transfer of UCO, making tampering or fraud practically impossible.
• AI-Driven Anomaly Detection: Artificial intelligence will monitor supply chain data in real-time, instantly flagging suspicious activities or irregularities.
• Smart Contract Auditing: Automated compliance through smart contracts will streamline audits and certifications, reducing costs and human error.

At Shaphargroup, we are already investing in pilot projects to integrate these technologies into our global operations. Our goal is not just to comply, but to lead — setting a new benchmark for what a trustworthy, modern UCO supply chain looks like.

Certification and transparency are not burdens; they are the building blocks for a sustainable future. As the SAF market accelerates, only those UCO suppliers who can prove their integrity will survive — and thrive.

At Shaphargroup, we are committed to being at the forefront of this transformation, creating a supply chain that our partners, customers, and regulators can trust completely.

Trust is the fuel that powers the future of sustainable aviation. Let’s build it together.

David C. Arinze
Managing Partner | Shaphargroup
Renewable Energy Strategist | UCO & SAF Advocate
Email: Davis.c@shaphargroup.com

Optimized by Seraphinite Accelerator
Turns on site high speed to be attractive for people and search engines.