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Brazilian biofuels powerhouse Be8, the nation's largest biodiesel producer with approximately 14% market share, is expanding its operations into Italy. The company, which specializes in a range of biofuels including biodiesel, ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and its innovative Bevant, aims to establish a strategic European hub. This base will facilitate the distribution and production of Bevant, a groundbreaking fuel derived from food waste.
Bevant, developed and patented by Be8 in 2023, represents a significant leap in sustainable energy. According to Graziano Messana, a board member of Be8 Europe, the fuel transforms waste and residues from the food supply chain – such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and used cooking oil – into an advanced fuel. This process targets materials that can 'no longer be recycled for other purposes', enabling them to directly power diesel engines without requiring blending, structural modifications, or any loss of performance. The company projects a remarkable reduction in CO₂ emissions of up to 99% when using Bevant.
The new fuel, described as a double-distilled methyl ester, boasts versatility. Messana highlighted that Bevant 'can be used 100 per cent pure in the engines of cars, lorries, boats, generators and heavy goods vehicles. It does not need to be blended with fossil diesel. It does not require companies to immediately replace their fleets or upgrade their facilities'. Furthermore, its exceptionally low sulphur content significantly mitigates environmental impact while maintaining performance, operational power, and fuel consumption consistent with industry standards. Data suggests it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 99% in the tank-to-wheel cycle compared to fossil fuels.
Be8's financial performance in 2025 demonstrated robust growth, with net revenue reaching $1.97 billion, EBITDA at $166 million, and a net profit of $96 million. Exports contributed 12% to its overall revenue. Messana, who also serves as president of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in São Paulo, emphasized the strategic decision to choose Italy over other locations like Geneva, where Be8 already operates a factory. He stated that the move to Italy is 'to drive forward technology and the energy transition', noting the significance of this reversal in investment flow, bringing a major Brazilian company to Italy after years of facilitating Italian businesses in Brazil.
Be8 Europa has officially opened an office in Milan with a share capital of €1 million. The company secured 'golden power' approval from the Italian Government last March, a process that took five months and involved scrutiny from the Ministries of Enterprise, Agriculture, and the Environment. Be8 is currently pursuing two paths: initially focusing on marketing Bevant through distributor agreements while advancing the necessary certifications, and concurrently planning the construction of a production plant. This factory project is anticipated to involve an investment of between €150 million and €180 million and is expected to create 300 jobs.
The exact location for the plant remains under review, with Messana confirming that 'Puglia is rolling out the red carpet for us', offering sites in Brindisi and Taranto. Other potential locations, including Genoa and the Veneto region, are also being considered. The company requires a 40,000 square meter site, ideally situated near a port area. Bevant has already undergone successful trials and usage in Brazil with major automotive manufacturers like Mercedes, Iveco, and Volkswagen, alongside prominent shipping companies such as Navegação Aliança (Maersk Group), Wilson Sons, and MSC.
Source: Il Sole 24 ORE