EBB Report: EU Biodiesel Output Reaches 14.7 Million Tonnes as SAF Production Doubles in 2025

The European Biodiesel Board (EBB) has released its 2025–2026 Statistical Report, showing that the European Union’s biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry continued to grow in 2025, although industry leaders warn that policy uncertainty is slowing investment and capacity expansion.

According to the report, total EU-27 production of biodiesel and SAF reached 14.7 million tonnes in 2025. Conventional biodiesel (FAME) remained the dominant renewable fuel, with production rising to 10.5 million tonnes, while hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) output increased to 3.9 million tonnes.

The fastest-growing segment was SAF produced through the HEFA pathway. Production doubled year-on-year to 300,000 tonnes as airlines and policymakers intensified efforts to reduce aviation emissions. Despite this progress, the report notes that current production levels remain insufficient to meet the EU’s long-term climate and renewable energy targets.

Feedstock trends also continue to evolve. Rapeseed oil remains the largest single raw material for biodiesel production, highlighting the importance of European agriculture. However, waste-based feedstocks are gaining market share, with Annex IX materials accounting for 55% of total feedstock use, compared with 38% for crop-based feedstocks.

The report also highlights significant trade changes. Following EU anti-dumping measures, biodiesel imports from China fell sharply from 1.07 million tonnes in 2023 to just 160,000 tonnes in 2025. China’s share of EU biodiesel imports dropped to only 1%, strengthening the position of domestic European producers.

EBB concluded that achieving Europe’s future climate goals will require greater policy certainty, continued investment, and balanced support for both crop-based and waste-based renewable fuels.