JBS Biodiesel broadens operations with a new biofuel plant in Santa Catarina.

The JBS Biodiesel division is enhancing its operational capabilities with the inauguration of a new biodiesel manufacturing facility located in Mafra, Santa Catarina. This expansion, which represents an investment of R$ 180 million, has effectively doubled the company's biodiesel production capacity, a significant milestone for JBS New Businesses. This latest venture underscores JBS's commitment to the circular economy and aligns with its goal to achieve Net Zero by 2040. The new facility, which is the third of its kind under JBS Biodiesel's operation, spans an impressive 76,000 square meters and boasts a production capacity of roughly 370 million liters annually. With this addition, JBS Biodiesel's total production capacity has surged from 350 million to approximately 720 million liters per year. This increase accounts for just over 10% of the 6.76 billion liters of biodiesel produced in 2021, as reported by the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP). "Biodiesel plays a crucial role in Brazil's energy matrix, and there is significant growth potential for biodiesel in the country. Through this investment, we emphasize the significance of the circular economy to our business model and enhance the value of our operational by-products, contributing to sustainable development," stated Alexandre Pereira, Commercial Director at JBS Biodiesel. Mafra was selected for its strategic location, offering easy access to rail and road transport networks, proximity to the Presidente Getúlio Vargas Refinery (Repar) - a key diesel blending and distribution facility in Brazil, and quick access to the Paranaguá port in Paraná, the country's third-largest. The factory's operations are expected to create up to 400 direct and indirect jobs, positively impacting the economy of the western region of Santa Catarina. To produce biodiesel in Mafra, JBS Biodiesel will utilize recycled cooking oil and soybean oil derived from soybean crushing, which is used to produce feed for poultry and pigs. This approach not only strengthens the diversification of raw material sources but also cements the company's position as the world's largest vertically integrated producer of biodiesel from beef tallow. JBS Biodiesel's decision to expand its footprint in the biodiesel market is in line with JBS's Net Zero commitment, aiming to neutralize emissions across its value chain by 2040. In addition to Mafra, the company operates a biocombustible unit in Lins (SP) and another manufacturing plant in Campo Verde (MT).