Chick-fil-A taps into the biofuel trend by turning fry oil into dieselChick-fil-A taps into the biofuel trend by turning fry oil into diesel

Chick-fil-A announced Monday it would be partnering with Darling Ingredients to turn its used cooking oil into renewable transportation fuel.

"At Chick-fil-A, we are committed to caring — and that includes caring for others through our food and caring for our planet," said Rodney Bullard, vice president of corporate social responsibility for Chick-fil-A, Inc. "Our innovative partnership with DAR PRO Solutions helps us be responsible stewards of the resources at our restaurants and allows us to support the future of renewable transportation fuel — all while positively influencing the communities we serve." 

According to Darling, the finished renewable fuel can reduce greenhouse gases by up to 85% after being processed through its Diamond Green Diesel Venture as diesel. In 2022, the brand is estimated to produce 700 million pounds of renewable diesel.

This announcement, though not specifically tied to the war in Ukraine, comes amid rising gas prices due to the conflict in Eastern Europe.

"We admire Chick-fil-A's commitment to reducing food waste and are proud to be part of a solution that keeps food waste out of our landfills while delivering a renewable fuel that reduces GHG emissions," said Sandra Dudley, Darling Ingredients executive vice president, renewables, and U.S. specialty operations.

In the past, the demand for biofuel rose dramatically during periods of soaring gas prices. In 2008, restaurants were often victims of grease theft by “fry crooks” who saw the valuable cooking oil as good as gold for resale.

Chick-fil-A currently has more than 2,700 stores across the U.S.