Rendering is the key to turning animal processing waste into valuable resources. Half of every food-producing animal is considered inedible byproduct and repurposed into valuable resources like animal feed and biofuels, not only reducing waste but supporting food safety, biosecurity and economic sustainability in animal agriculture.
Learn How Feed Sanitation Supports Effective Use of Animal Protein Meals Today.
Rendering significantly reduces the amount of animal byproducts entering landfills. The North American Renderers Association (NARA) reports that rendering processes convert 99% of unconsumable animal material into ingredients for animal feed, biofuels, and other industrial products.
Without rendering, the U.S. alone would generate enough waste to fill landfills for years. Instead, rendering transforms these byproducts into valuable resources, helping prevent the environmental hazards associated with waste decomposition and contamination.
A primary goal in rendering is ensuring biosecurity to prevent the spread of harmful pathogens. For example, processed animal fats and proteins are used in animal feed, and rigorous measures are taken to prevent any contamination during processing.
Rendering plants apply strict protocols to manage raw materials and sanitize equipment, preventing contamination risks throughout the production and supply chain.
Rendering not only repurposes byproducts but also ensures that they are safe for end use. The process removes harmful pathogens, creating high-quality animal feed ingredients and biofuels while upholding the highest safety standards.
By transforming potentially harmful materials into sanitized and safe products, the rendering industry supports food safety within animal agriculture, reducing the risk of disease transmission through feed.
One of the key goals in rendering is controlling and eliminating Salmonella and other bacteria from rendered products. The industry maintains strict quality control standards to ensure that byproducts like animal fats and proteins meet stringent food safety guidelines.
For example, thermal processing effectively neutralizes bacteria, while plant sanitation practices further ensure that rendered ingredients are safe for use in animal feed and biofuel production.
By recycling animal byproducts and used cooking oil, rendering not only minimizes waste but also contributes to economic sustainability. The industry repurposes materials that would otherwise go to waste, providing cost-efficient solutions to meet consumer and industrial demand.
Continued innovation and exploration of applications in construction materials and even jet fuel—demonstrates the industries adaptability and value beyond the agriculture sector.
As demand for renewable energy sources, including biofuels, rises, rendering plays a key role by providing biofuel ingredients. The U.S. is a net importer of fats due to the growth in biofuel demand—a shift that illustrates the increasing global need for sustainable resources.
By transforming animal byproducts into biofuels, the rendering industry reduces the environmental footprint of animal agriculture while meeting demand for sustainable energy solutions.
Public awareness remains a challenge for the rendering industry. Many consumers, and even policymakers, are unaware of rendering’s biosecurity benefits and contributions to sustainable agriculture.
Educating the public on how rendering minimizes landfill waste, reduces contamination risks and helps manage potential biosecurity risks is of critical importance.
Rendering is a vital part of animal agriculture that contributes to food safety, biosecurity, and environmental protection. By repurposing animal materials that would otherwise go to waste, rendering offers a practical solution to managing agricultural byproducts. As consumer demand for sustainability continues to grow, the rendering industry’s contributions to biosecurity and food safety will remain essential for a resilient and sustainable food supply.
Learn How Feed Sanitation Supports Effective Use of Animal Protein Meals Today.