From cooking to flying: hotels turn waste into jet fuel

The fight against climate change is intensifying, and the travel industry is no exception. In this frantic race towards decarbonisationA surprising solution is emerging: using used cooking oil from hotel restaurants to produce sustainable aviation fuel. This innovative process, which seems to have come straight out of a science fiction film, not only helps to manage waste but also to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. greenhouse gases.

How does it work?

The concept is simple but ingenious. Hotels collect their used cooking oilwhich would otherwise probably end up as simple waste. These oils are then sent to facilities where they are transformed into sustainable aviation fuel thanks to advanced refining processes. This fuel can then be used by airlines, reducing their dependence on traditional fossil fuels.

Why is this solution important?

Aviation is one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonise, as aircraft require energy-dense fuels to fly long distances. By using renewable fuels from catering waste, the aviation industry can reduce its carbon footprint without compromising its operations. This represents a crucial step towards more sustainable transport.

Environmental benefits

• Reducing food wasteReusing cooking oil considerably reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill.
• Reduction in CO2 emissionsStudies show that renewable fuels can reduce emissions by up to 80 % compared with fossil fuels.
• Establishing a circular economyBy integrating the use of waste into the production cycles of other industries, this creates a more integrated, less polluting system.

Influence on the hotel industry

For many hotels, the introduction of such a system represents a tangible commitment to the environmental sustainability. Not only does this help them to manage their waste more effectively, it also gives them the opportunity to position themselves as responsible players in the eyes of consumers and investors. Bringing such an initiative to bear helps them stand out in a market where demand for greener practices is growing all the time.

In conclusion

The use of used cooking oil to produce sustainable aviation fuel is a major breakthrough for the tourism industry. It is an excellent example of how innovative practices can transform a waste management problem into a pioneering solution for a greener transport industry.

To find out more about sustainable development initiatives in the tourism industry, you can consult the resources offered by the United Nations - World Tourism Organization.

This article has been selected, adapted and validated by the Breeziful editorial team. Writing assisted by artificial intelligence, under the supervision of Éléonore. Written/Validated by Breeziful.