Biofuels Suppliers and Manufacturers

1. What is PFAD PFAD stands for Palm Fatty Acid Distillate. It is a processing residue resulting from physical refining of crude palm oil products. At room temperature it is a light brow semi-solid, melting to a brown liquid on heating. Up to 80 percent of PFAD is free fatty acid (FFA), with palmitic acid and oleic acid being the major components. The remaining 20 percent is made up of components including triglycerides, partial glycerides, and vitamin E, sterols and squalene's. 2.How is PFAD used? PFAD is used as a renewable raw material in biofuels production as well as to produce candles, soaps, other oleochemical products, and animal feed. Specific to biofuel production in Europe, the EU allows Member States to account PFAD consumption towards greenhouse gas emissions reductions under its Renewable Energy Directive. The amount of emissions reductions depends on the PFAD technical classification, a residue or co-product, which is up to the individual Member State. To verify the emissions reductions, the EU relies on voluntary certification schemes, such as the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification system. 3.What are the benefits6 of using PFAD Producing renewable fuels using PFAD is good for the climate. It is an efficient way to use waste generated through the palm oil refining process, preventing PFAD from going to literal waste. A by-product that is undesirable from the food industry perspective can be very desirable for other sectors. Neste MY Renewable Diesel7 which is refined from PFAD and other waste and residue materials, such as Used Cooking Oil (UCO), helps to replace crude oil-based diesel in transportation. Using Neste MY Renewable Diesel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent on average compared to a diesel-powered vehicle using conventional fossil fuel-based diesel.

Cocoa beans are the seeds of the cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao) and are the primary ingredient used in the production of chocolate. Here\'s a detailed description of cocoa beans: Botanical Characteristics: Species: Theobroma cacao Appearance: Cocoa beans are roughly oval-shaped and are typically 1 to 2 cm long. They have a smooth, hard shell that varies in color from light brown to dark brown, depending on the variety and level of fermentation. Structure: Each cocoa pod contains 20-50 cocoa beans surrounded by a sweet pulp. Cultivation: Growing Regions: Cocoa beans are primarily cultivated in tropical regions within 20 degrees of the Equator, including West Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Climate: Cocoa trees thrive in humid, tropical climates with well-distributed rainfall and temperatures between 20-30�°C (68-86�°F). Harvesting: Cocoa pods are harvested manually with machetes or by hand, typically twice a year. Processing: Fermentation: After harvesting, the cocoa beans are removed from the pods and fermented for several days to develop flavor and reduce bitterness. Drying: Fermented beans are dried in the sun or using artificial dryers until they reach around 7% moisture content, which helps preserve the beans for storage and shipping. Roasting: Dried beans are roasted at temperatures between 120-140�°C (248-284�°F) to develop their characteristic chocolate flavor. Composition: Shell: The outer shell makes up about 10-15% of the cocoa bean and is used to make cocoa mulch or sometimes as a source of biofuel. Nib: Inside the shell, the cocoa bean is divided into nibs, which contain approximately 54-58% cocoa butter (fat) and 11-15% cocoa solids (theobromine and caffeine). Flavor Compounds: Cocoa beans contain a complex mix of flavor compounds that develop during fermentation and roasting, contributing to the unique taste of chocolate. Uses: Chocolate Production: Cocoa beans are the fundamental ingredient in chocolate manufacturing. The nibs are ground into a paste called chocolate liquor, which is then processed into various forms of chocolate. Cocoa Products: Cocoa powder and cocoa butter are derived from cocoa beans and are used in baking, confectionery, beverages, and cosmetics. Quality Grading: Cocoa beans are graded based on size, color, fermentation level, and absence of defects to ensure consistent quality for chocolate production. Fine Flavor: Beans with unique and desirable flavors are often classified as fine flavor cocoa beans and command higher prices in the market. Cocoa beans are essential to the global chocolate industry, with their flavor profile influenced by factors such as origin, fermentation, and processing methods, making them a critical component in creating a variety of chocolate products enjoyed worldwide