Biofuels

Canola oil can be processed into low-carbon biofuels: biodiesel, renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, naphtha, liquified petroleum gas and heating oil. It can also be utilized at petroleum refineries to lower the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of transportation fuels. These biofuels are cleaner-burning alternative to petroleum fuels that can replace or be blended with diesel fuel for use in on-road vehicles, including municipal fleets to long-haul trucks, and off-road equipment for agriculture and other industries.

Canola oil is one of the most effective and efficient sources for biofuel with excellent cold-flow properties; what’s good for the heart is also good for the engine due to canola oil’s low saturated fat content. Plus, canola seed yields about 45 percent oil when crushed compared to only 18 percent for soybeans, the most common biodiesel feedstock. As a result, the U.S. Canola Association has a reciprocal board seat with Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Bioplastics

Canola oil provides a green alternative to items traditionally made with petroleum or its by-products. For example, canola oil is used in plasticizers that make rubber in tires softer and more flexible. These tires better perform better on icy and snowy roads.

Researchers have also developed canola oil-based adhesive that is more affordable to make than conventional glue.