BRIN Expands Used Cooking Oil Collection for Biofuel

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is strengthening the ecosystem for sustainable biofuel production by introducing the U‑Collect Box, a technology‑based system designed to collect used cooking oil.

The initiative is supported by environmental, economic, and social studies to ensure a traceable and sustainable supply chain.

“Used cooking oil can gain economic value when collected and reused as an energy source,” said Head of BRIN’s Center for Sustainable Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Research, Nugroho Adi Sasongko, as quoted on BRIN's official website.

He noted its potential to be processed into low‑carbon fuels such as biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Head of BRIN’s Energy and Manufacturing Research Organization, Cuk Supriyadi Ali Nandar, added that rising demand for biofuels is driving the need for reliable feedstock. “Research must consider environmental impact, economic feasibility, traceability, and social benefits,” he explained.

Deputy for Infrastructure, Research, and Innovation Dadan M. Nurjaman praised the U‑Collect Box for turning waste into valuable resources while reducing pollution.

He encouraged its adoption across BRIN’s science and technology parks, including the B.J. Habibie Technopark in Serpong, which is being developed as an Eco Science Technopark.

The program is supported by PT Noovoleum Indonesia, whose commissioner Sendy Soeriaatmadja said the U‑Collect Box was designed to help households and small businesses collect used oil while promoting circular economy awareness.

Equipped with IoT sensors, apps, and dashboards, the system monitors volumes in real time and ensures traceability.

So far, about 300 units have been deployed in Indonesia and Thailand, collecting 6,000 liters of used oil and producing 5,800 liters of biofuel. Community engagement programs have reached 400 schools, while 55 percent of program revenue is redistributed to local communities.

BRIN is also conducting life cycle assessments to measure greenhouse gas emissions across the supply chain. “Circular value begins when waste is collected. That process must be organized, and every liter recorded,” said researcher Hismiaty Bahua.

She cautioned that emissions could arise at each stage--from collection and transport to processing and distribution--underscoring the need for efficiency.

The collaboration was formalized through a cooperation agreement between BRIN and PT Noovoleum Indonesia, marked by the launch of U‑Collect Box units at BRIN’s Puspiptek housing complex in Serpong on September 3, 2026. ***