UK Imports Green Jet Fuel Linked to Illegal Amazon Deforestation

UK imports of green jet fuel have been linked to illegal Amazon deforestation through traceability gaps.

“Editing:Helen Popper and Matteo Civillini A US biofuels producer that exports “green” aviation fuel to Britain and the European Union has purchased beef tallow from a Brazilian supply chain tied to illegal deforestation in the Amazon, shipping data and a court document show”

Climate Home News

Diamond Green Diesel has purchased beef tallow from a Brazilian rendering plant supplied by DistriBoi, a meatpacker fined for illegal cattle purchases.

Climate Home News

Nearly 80% of the Jaci-Paraná reserve has been decimated by illegal land grabbers.

Tallow is classified as waste, so certification schemes do not assess deforestation at the farm level.

Cian Delaney said there is clearly an oversight within the rules.

DGD is a joint venture between Valero and Darling Ingredients.

DGD's imports of tallow from Brazil have increased sharply since 2022.

Greenpeace

The Pacífico rendering plant has been supplied by DistriBoi, named in 31 lawsuits related to land-grabbing.

Initial hearings have found against DistriBoi in at least two cases.

Darling is requiring all suppliers to attest that their material is deforestation free.

Animal fats used for biofuel are classified as waste products, facing far less oversight.

“UK Green Jet Fuel imports linked to illegal Amazon deforestation through traceability gaps”

News.az

This allows tallow to qualify as sustainable even if raised on illegally deforested land.

Environmental advocates warn higher quotas may boost profit margins of ranchers responsible for destruction.

The Jaci-Paraná reserve was carved out in 1996 for sustainable use.

More than three-quarters of its forest have since been lost to pasture.