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EFFPRA 2025 Congress Held in Latvia
Opportunities Identified for European ABPs
There are several exciting opportunities emerging for the European rendering industry, but there is still work to do to make them a reality.
“Overall, an excellent congress with lots of good news,” said Robert Figgener, the president of EFPRA. “If the recent and proposed changes enter into force, this would be a big step forward for our industry. However, there is still some distance to go. We have to make the case and work closely with our national and European representatives. We also need to continue providing evidence that our products are healthy, sustainable and safe. And finally, connect with companies, industries and even countries that have strong potential use cases for animal by-products (ABPs).”
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a good example of how new legislation has yet to create the anticipated demand for rendered fat. The ReFuelEU Aviation regulation has set a minimum — and initially not overly ambitious — supply mandate for SAF in Europe, starting with only 2% in 2025 and
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or the first time, Riga, Latvia, hosted the 23rd Congress of the European Fat Processors and Renderers Association, bringing together over 500 experts, entrepreneurs and
policymakers from more than 40 countries. The focus of the event was on sustainability solutions, innovation and the future of the circular economy.
This is the most significant annual event in the European rendering industry and hosting it in Latvia underscores the country’s capacity to serve as a valuable partner in shaping Europe’s green economy. The congress was organized by LINEN, a Latvian family-owned rendering company. Viktors Valainis, Latvia’s minister for economics, opened the meetings and emphasized that bioeconomy and circularity are key growth opportunities in his country.
“Riga has become one of the global hubs for dialogue on sustainability, innovation and the circular economy,” Valainis said. “I am pleased to see an event of this scale taking place in Latvia — a country that has clearly chosen a path toward a green, digital and competitive future. Our bioeconomy and circular solutions are not just strategic documents — they are already being applied in real business and innovation. Latvia is ready to be a reliable partner on the path toward a greener and smarter future.”
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