The discovery was made during a recent study by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (IFEU) in Heidelberg, south-west Germany.
While biodiesel made from animal fat has been know for a long time to be highly sustainable, EFPRA said that in view of the GHG quota set out in the Fuel Quality Directive, it is not just about complying with minimum requirements – the achievable level is also becoming increasingly important.
IFEU examined the methodology that underlines the 85% saving calculation as part of a study commissioned by the EFPRA, which looked specifically at how GHG emissions resulting from the processing of animal by-products should be allocated.
Niels Leth Nielsen, EFPRA president, said: "Biodiesel made from animal fat not only conserves resources, it also achieves very high savings in terms of GHG emissions. That means we already have access to an advanced biofuel."