General Logistic Aspects

A system is a collection of different elements that together produce results not obtainable by the elements alone. In this study, the system is a biodiesel- or a vegetable oil-based supply chain for energy purposes, variable under different technology level and raw material used. In this chapter, two examples of biodiesel supply chains at the industrial and the family farming scale, respectively, are outlined. In both cases, the major logistic problems are represented by transport costs and oil storability As a general rule, the higher the free fatty acid content, the lower the durability of an oil, although oils for energy purposes may be stored for longer time than oils for food uses.