Investment Options

The Molecula platform enables existing biodiesel producers to maximize profitability in a staged, low-risk manner, building on current assets rather than replacing them.

Step 1: Optimize Biodiesel Production

The first step addresses a long-standing industry issue: outdated catalyst technology. For more than 20 years, biodiesel producers have been forced to manage soap formation as a normal part of processing.

Molecula eliminates this problem at its source. By stopping soap formation entirely, biodiesel processing becomes simpler, faster, and more predictable. Meeting ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 becomes routine rather than reactive.

The real breakthrough is the ability to fully automate the process and enable true process intensification.

  • No process interruption during implementation

  • No production downtime

  • ROI: 6–9 months, depending on plant configuration

Step 2: Glycerol Valorisation

Once biodiesel production is optimized, attention turns to the 10% co-product: crude glycerol.

For most of the industry, crude glycerol has become a disposal problem rather than a revenue stream. Molecula converts this liability into a specialty chemical feedstock, generating returns that can exceed those of biodiesel itself.

This step allows producers to enter the renewable chemicals market using material they already produce - without becoming a traditional chemical refiner.

  • ROI: 18–24 months

  • Eliminates waste disposal

  • Creates high-margin secondary revenue

Step 3: Olefin Metathesis – Expanding Beyond FAME

The third investment option directly addresses the competitive pressure created by HVO/RD and SAF. While FAME margins are lower, all three fuels rely on the same feedstock.

Olefin metathesis enables the conversion of FAME into single-molecule renewable chemicals, including HVO/RD and SAF, as part of a broader product portfolio.

This process is well aligned with existing biodiesel operations and delivers several advantages:

  • Elimination of water washing

  • In certain cases, elimination of pre-esterification

  • 60% reduction in hydrogen requirement compared to HEFA

  • Operating conditions: 60–80°C, 10–80 psi

Compared to HEFA, the process delivers 12–18% higher profitability, while producing single-molecule products that are easier to certify and resistant to fraud.

  • ROI: 15–20 months