Biopower, a JBS subsidiary, invests R$ 140 million and projects record production of 650 million liters of biodiesel
Among the investments, the implementation of enzymatic esterification technology stands out, a modern process that replaces chemical catalysts with highly efficient enzymes.
Biopower, a JBS New Businesses company that produces biodiesel, has just announced an investment of R$ 140 million in modernization and technological innovation at its three plants, located in Lins (SP), Campo Verde (MT), and Mafra (SC). This investment, the most significant since the construction of the Mafra unit in 2021, prepares the company for a new growth cycle and reinforces its strategic role in the national energy transition. With this innovation, Biopower projects its production to reach a record volume of over 650 million liters in 2025.
Among the investments is the implementation of enzymatic esterification technology, a modern process that replaces chemical catalysts with highly efficient enzymes. This cleaner and more precise approach will allow for increased productivity, greater flexibility in the use of diverse raw materials, such as beef tallow and used cooking oil, and the conversion of byproducts, which were previously sold separately, into more biodiesel. The project begins implementation this year and is scheduled for completion by mid-2026.
“ We invested to further improve a product that already has recognition for excellence in the market and to remain at the forefront of a rapidly expanding sector ,” says Alexandre Pereira, director of Biopower . “ This modernization will give us greater efficiency and productive flexibility, guaranteeing our competitiveness to meet a demand for biodiesel that will certainly continue to grow ,” he adds. The announcement comes at a special time for the operation, as the Mafra unit recently reached the milestone of 1 billion liters of biodiesel produced.
The increased demand for biodiesel, driven by current legislation that foresees raising the blend to 20% (B20) by 2030, is happening at a time of historic growth for biofuels in Brazil. Currently, the blend is at 15%. It is within this context of expansion that Biopower's investment is positioned, preparing the company to seize new opportunities and contribute to the country's goal of increasingly consolidating itself as a clean energy powerhouse. In 18 years of operation, the company has already produced more than 4 billion liters of biodiesel, avoiding the emission of approximately 9 million tons of CO₂.
Biopower is also advancing on new fronts that contribute to the decarbonization of maritime transport. The definition of global targets by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which seeks to achieve net-zero emissions in the sector by 2050, opens up space for sustainable fuels, and the company is prepared to meet this demand. Biodiesel presents itself as a viable and immediate alternative to traditional marine diesel, and can be used without the need for adaptations to vessels, with the same performance and competitive cost compared to other technologies.
Furthermore, Biopower has international certification and traceability, such as the ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) seal, a requirement for the European market, and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) certification from the United States. “As the world accelerates the transition to a cleaner energy matrix, we want to be a benchmark in real and accessible solutions. In addition to increasing the blend to B20 in the coming years, the naval decarbonization market emerges as a strategic front, inspiring us to continue innovating and expanding our role in building a more sustainable future,” says Pereira.
Biopower exemplifies the circular economy model applied by JBS in its business: extracting value from what was considered waste. Today, approximately 99% of each bovine animal processed by the company is utilized. In poultry and pork, this percentage is almost 95%. This fuels a virtuous cycle that combines the reuse of raw materials, job creation, and the reduction of logistical and environmental impacts. The operation also strengthens the regional economy, with 24-hour operations and approximately 300 direct employees across the company's three units.
According to the director of Biopower , technology is essential, but it gains even more strength when combined with the talent and dedication of the people who make the company happen. “Technology is a tool, but innovation is born from people. We have a team that not only operates, but also creates, improves, and overcomes challenges. It was this expertise that allowed us, for example, to be pioneers in the use of different types of raw materials. This knowledge represents our most valuable asset and differentiates us from the competition .”
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