Que: How does Buyofuel define ‘waste,’ and how do you evaluate which waste streams are commercially viable for conversion into biofuels?

Ans: At Buyofuel, ‘waste’ is defined as any non-food, non-recyclable biomass residue or used material with potential for energy recovery—such as used cooking oil (UCO), agri-residues, and organic industrial by-products. We evaluate commercial viability through a three-stage assessment:

(1) Availability—consistent supply volume and collection feasibility;

(2) Convertibility—suitability for biofuel conversion based on calorific value, moisture, and contaminant levels; and

(3) Marketability—end-product quality, demand, and logistics cost.

Only feedstocks meeting technical standards (like BIS specifications for biodiesel) and offering economic returns for both suppliers and processors are integrated into our marketplace.

Que: What is the scale of waste feedstock currently being handled via your platform (tonnage, number of suppliers/farmers, number of states)?

Ans: Buyofuel currently handles over 250,000 tonnes of waste feedstock annually through its digital marketplace, sourced from a diverse network of more than 2,000 suppliers, including used cooking oil aggregators, agricultural residue collectors, and organic waste generators. The platform operates across 15+ Indian states, with major supply hubs in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Punjab. By connecting decentralised waste generators directly with biofuel manufacturers, Buyofuel has established one of India’s largest organised waste-to-energy supply chains, ensuring both scalability and traceability in converting biomass residues into biodiesel, bio-CNG, and solid biofuels.

Que: What are the unique digital tools you have built at Buyofuel, and how do they address supply-chain fragmentation?

Ans: Buyofuel has developed a digitally integrated marketplace that connects waste generators, collectors, and biofuel manufacturers through verified listings, real-time pricing, and logistics support. Its AI-driven matching engine ensures optimal buyer–seller pairing based on geography, feedstock type, and quantity, reducing transaction delays and costs. Blockchain-based traceability and digital quality verification tools enhance transparency and trust across the value chain. Additionally, supplier dashboards, inventory tracking, and payment gateways streamline operations for small suppliers. Together, these tools bridge the traditional fragmentation in India’s biofuel supply chain, enabling a transparent, efficient, and data-driven waste-to-energy ecosystem.

Que: How much value are you able to provide to the upstream suppliers, for e.g., what extra income or avoided cost do they realise by selling their residues rather than burning or dumping them?

Ans: Buyofuel creates tangible value for upstream suppliers by turning waste into a revenue stream. Farmers, restaurants, and small industries earn INR 5,000 – INR 25,000 per tonne of biomass or used cooking oil sold on the platform, instead of incurring disposal or burning costs. This generates 15–30 percent higher income compared to local middlemen while reducing landfill charges, transport, and regulatory risks. Additionally, our digital traceability and assured payment systems ensure reliability and trust. By monetising residues, suppliers gain steady income, reduce open burning, and contribute to cleaner air and circular waste management, aligning economic incentives with environmental benefits.

Que: How do you measure or monitor GHG reductions or environmental impact for transactions facilitated by your platform? What kinds of metrics do you track?

Ans: Buyofuel measures GHG reductions by tracking the lifecycle emissions avoided through each biofuel transaction on its platform. Using DEFRA and IPCC emission factors, we compare the carbon intensity of conventional fossil fuels with equivalent biofuels sold. Key metrics include CO₂e reductions per tonne of waste utilised, energy generated (GJ), and avoidance of methane and particulate emissions from residue burning. Our digital platform captures real-time transaction data—feedstock type, quantity, and distance traveled—to calculate precise emission savings. These insights are consolidated into sustainability dashboards, enabling transparent reporting of verified climate impact for all stakeholders.

Que: Government policy and incentives play a major role in the bio-energy sector. How well aligned are India’s current policies with what your business model needs?

Ans: India’s bioenergy policies are largely aligned with Buyofuel’s business model, promoting waste-to-energy, circular economy, and decentralised biofuel production. Initiatives like the National Bioenergy Programme, Used Cooking Oil (UCO) collection framework, and SATAT scheme for bio-CNG encourage feedstock mobilisation and green fuel adoption. However, implementation challenges—such as fragmented UCO collection, limited financing for small producers, and varying state-level regulations—still hinder full scalability. Buyofuel’s digital marketplace complements government goals by organising the informal sector, ensuring traceability, and driving private participation, thereby bridging policy intent with on-ground execution in India’s biofuel ecosystem.

Que: How do you maintain supplier engagement and digital inclusion among farmers who may have limited digital literacy or infrastructure?

Ans: Buyofuel ensures supplier engagement and digital inclusion through a hybrid support model combining technology with local facilitation. We employ regional coordinators and partner NGOs to onboard farmers, conduct training in local languages, and demonstrate app usage for waste registration and sales. The platform features voice-based inputs, vernacular interfaces, and SMS updates for users with limited internet access. Regular feedback sessions and incentive programs encourage continued participation. By combining digital tools with human touchpoints and capacity building, Buyofuel empowers smallholders to participate confidently in the formal biofuel market and benefit from the green economy transition.