The global used cooking oil (UCO) market is not uniform — some regions lead in collection infrastructure, policy support, and adoption, while others present emerging opportunities. Based on MRFR and related data, this blog unpacks regional trends and hotspots. 

North America

• Market strength maturity
  The region has strong infrastructure for UCO collection, processing, and biofuel integration.

• Growth prospects
  MRFR projects robust growth in North America from 2024 to 2035. 

• Challenges
  High feedstock competition and regulatory shifts may pressure margins.

Europe

• Policy-driven adoption
  The EU’s renewable energy directives and strong environmental mandates make Europe a benchmark region.

• High collection efficiency
  Many European countries have formal collection networks and regulations enforcing proper waste oil disposal.

• Stable demand
  Europe remains a steady, mature market for biodiesel and industrial uses.

Asia-Pacific

• Fastest growth potential
  Driven by rapid expansion of food service, urbanization, and rising demand for sustainable solutions. MRFR sees Asia-Pacific as a promising growth region. 

• Challenges
  Underdeveloped collection systems, logistical inefficiencies, and regulatory fragmentation.

• Opportunities
  Significant upside for early entrants, partnerships with food chains, and infrastructure investment.

Latin America South America

• Biodiesel leadership
  Some nations (e.g. Brazil) already push biodiesel and may incorporate UCO as a feedstock.

• Growing infrastructure
  The region is slowly developing food waste recycling and UCO collection capacity.

Middle East Africa

• Emerging base
  Currently lower adoption, but possibilities in nations with high fuel import costs, or where waste management is prioritized.

• Greenfield opportunity
  Infrastructure weakness is a barrier, but also a chance for innovative models and first-mover advantage.

Comparative Insights Strategic Implications

• Regions with strong waste regulation and biofuel policy tend to lead adoption.

• Food service density correlates with UCO availability — urbanized, service-rich markets offer more supply.

• Regions with weak collection infrastructure may welcome external investment and logistics solutions.

• Cross-border trade in UCO or intermediates may emerge between surplus and deficit regions.

Tips for Market Entry by Region

• Begin pilot projects in key cities to test collection, handling, and stakeholder collaboration.

• Understand region-specific regulatory regimes (waste, fuel, import/export).

• Partner with large restaurant chains, aggregators, or municipal bodies.

• Establish processing capacity close to feedstock to reduce transport cost.

Outlook

While North America and Europe offer stable foundation, the most dynamic growth in the UCO market is likely to come from Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and parts of Africa. Strategic entrants who combine local insight with infrastructure, logistics, and partnerships may establish lasting competitive positions.