Rizal Alamsyah, Sumarsono Sudarto, Nina Konitat Supriatna, Nabila Aprianti, Lukman Junaidi, Nunuy Nurjanah, Aminuddin
The selection of economical and sustainable feedstocks with valuable coproducts is essential to advancing biofuel production. Coconut oil is a unique feedstock with dual functionality: it provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) widely used in cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals, while also serving as a lipid resource for biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This combination highlights its relevance not only for energy transition but also for advancing circular bioeconomy strategies that link health and energy sectors. This paper reviews five decades of coconut oil utilization, focusing on its properties, processing routes, techno-economic aspects, storage stability, and regulatory frameworks. Special attention is given to integrating MCT production with biofuel pathways, an approach that enhances economic resilience by offsetting the relatively higher production costs of coconut-based fuels. Literature shows that although coconut oil volumes are modest compared to palm or soybean oil, its medium-chain profile (C8–C14) is well aligned with kerosene-range hydrocarbons required in aviation fuels. Despite challenges of smallholder-dominated supply chains, price volatility, and limited scale, strategic deployment in regional contexts, coupled with co-product valorization, offers a pathway to improve feasibility. Meeting international sustainability standards and strengthening national policies are also critical to support broader adoption. By reframing coconut oil as both a high-value industrial input and an energy feedstock, this study contributes a novel integrative framework that connects renewable energy with health-oriented industries, thereby enhancing the prospects of coconut oil within sustainable development and circular bioeconomy agendas. Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Research Centre for Fuel Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST Habibie, South Tangerang, Banten, 15314, Indonesia; Magister of Industrial Engineering, Universitas Mercu Buana, Jakarta, 11650, Indonesia; Research Centre for Energy Conversion Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST Habibie, South Tangerang, Banten, 15314, Indonesia; Research Center for Sustainable Industrial and Manufacturing Systems, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST Habibie, South Tangerang, Banten, 15314, Indonesia; Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, 40154, Indonesia
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