Deterministic optimization of used cooking oil supply based on environmental and economic assessment for sustainable aviation fuel production in indonesia

Global vegetable oil consumption has increased rapidly and is projected to reach 207 million tons by 2024, representing a 71% increase compared with 2014. In Indonesia, however, the potential of used cooking oil (UCO) remains underutilized due to inadequate infrastructure and limited public awareness of recycling practices. This study investigates the conversion of UCO into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by identifying the most effective supply chain design. Using a techno–economic approach, the study compares a centralized system employing large trucks (Scenario 1) with decentralized systems using medium and small vehicles (Scenarios 2 and 3). The results show that the centralized system is the most favorable supply chain configuration, yielding the lowest production cost, ranging from USD 2.61 to 3.20 per liter. In addition, Scenario 1 generates the lowest environmental impact, with annual emissions of 82.4 million kg CO₂–eq, compared with 83.9 and 82.5 million kg CO₂–eq for Scenarios 2 and 3, respectively. These findings demonstrate that logistics optimization plays a critical role in improving both the economic feasibility and environmental performance of UCO–based SAF production.