In Italy, used cooking oil – once considered a problematic waste – is now emerging as a valuable resource in the transition toward a circular economy. Recent research shows that this material can be transformed into advanced products for both the automotive and construction sectors, offering a concrete alternative to fossil-based materials.
A major breakthrough comes from studies coordinated by the University of Pisa, where scientists have developed processes to convert waste frying oil into bio-based components such as polyurethane foams, phase-change materials, and biolubricants.
