Buy and sell acid oil (SAO)
Acid oil — the high-FFA by-product of vegetable oil refining — is a quiet but substantial trade. Refineries monetise a residue; biodiesel and HVO plants get competitively priced lipids. We connect both sides, verified and anonymous until the deal.
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What is Acid Oil / SAO?
- Acid oil (SAO) arises from alkali refining of edible oils: soapstock acidulated to a free fatty acid-rich oil
- Esterified acid oil (EAO) is pre-processed for easier conversion into methyl esters
- Counts as a processing residue — potential waste/residue status under RED schemes (subject to scheme decision)
- Volumes track the edible-oil refining industry across Europe, MENA and Asia
Typical trading specifications
- FFA: typically 30-90% (grade dependent)
- MIU: negotiated per parcel; moisture and impurities matter for esterification economics
- Origin streams: soybean, sunflower, rapeseed, palm refining by-products
- Handling: heated storage; road tanker or ISO tank with heating
Certifications
- ISCC EU — evidence uploadable to your profile
- REDcert — evidence uploadable to your profile
Who trades it here
- Sellers: Edible oil refineries, Oleochemical plants with acid streams, Traders specialising in residues
- Buyers: Biodiesel plants with esterification/acid pre-treatment, HVO pre-treatment units, Oleochemical users
Frequently asked questions
Why is FFA the key number in acid oil trading?
Free fatty acids determine how the material is processed: high-FFA streams need acid esterification or pre-treatment before conventional transesterification, which drives the price discount versus refined oils. Buyers price acid oil on FFA, MIU and origin.
What is the difference between acid oil and EAO?
Esterified acid oil (EAO) has already been (partly) esterified, typically at the refinery or a toll processor, making it directly usable as biodiesel feedstock. Raw acid oil is cheaper but needs pre-treatment capacity at the buyer.
Does acid oil qualify as waste/residue under RED?
Acid oil from chemical refining is generally treated as a processing residue under ISCC/REDcert self-declarations, but classification can depend on the exact process and scheme interpretation. Confirm the evidence package with your certifier before claiming incentives.
What does it cost to list acid oil?
Creating an account, completing KYC and posting offers or requests is free — there are no listing fees and no obligation. Commercial terms are agreed per deal.