Navigating the HVO Supply Chain: Why Due Diligence Matters
As organisations across the UK move to decarbonise operations, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO fuel) is gaining momentum as a renewable drop-in alternative to fossil diesel. Offering up to a 90% reduction in net CO2 emissions, HVO is one of the most effective ways to lower carbon output without changing engines or infrastructure.
But as the rise in demand drives an increase in global supply, not all HVO is created equal.
Understanding lifecycle emissions: beyond the tailpipe
Many people mistakenly believe that all carbon savings are measured solely from tailpipe emissions. In reality, HVO’s emissions are measured using a “well-to-wheel” lifecycle approach, which includes:
- Feedstock origin (e.g. waste vs virgin crops)
- Land use and biodiversity impacts
- Processing emissions from refining and hydrotreatment
- Transport emissions during global distribution
This means the same “HVO” label can hide huge differences in sustainability. Without knowing the full backstory, you risk claiming more carbon savings than you’re actually achieving.
The risks of skipping due diligence
Like any commodity in a global market, the sustainability and ethical integrity of HVO depends on its origin, how it’s made, and who supplies it. Failing to carry out proper due diligence can lead to:
- Greenwashing risks – claiming carbon savings that don’t exist
- Reputational damage – if your supplier sources from unsustainable feedstocks
- Regulatory non-compliance – if the fuel doesn’t meet UK or EU standards
- Inaccurate reporting – which can affect your carbon footprint and ESG audits
As more businesses face growing pressure to validate their environmental claims, it’s critical to work with a supplier that offers full traceability and third-party verified sustainability credentials.
Why supplier transparency matters
At Crown Oil, we’ve invested heavily in building a sustainable and fully traceable HVO supply chain that aligns with both UK regulations and international best practices.
Our HVO is:
- Fully compliant with the EU Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II) and the UK’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO)
- ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) certified at import
- Sourced exclusively from certified waste-derived feedstocks (e.g. used cooking oil and animal fats)
- Supplied via a strictly vetted network of regulated global producers
We also operate as a Recognised Fuel Supplier under the Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme (RFAS) (Ref: CO/P8/21) and provide our customers with a quarterly Renewable Fuels Declaration, offering total confidence in the product’s credentials.
Furthermore, our HVO undergoes auditing by the Department for Transport (DfT) to ensure that both the GHG savings and product sustainability are genuine and verifiable.
6 questions to ask when selecting a HVO supplier
Before making the switch, you should ask the following to ensure the HVO you’re buying is truly sustainable:
- Are they a Recognised Fuel Supplier under RFAS and an active Zemo Partnership member?
- Can they confirm the feedstock is certified waste, not virgin crops?
- Is the product 100% unblended HVO?
- Is the supplier ISCC certified?
- Can they provide a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for each batch?
- Does the fuel achieve GHG savings of at least 80% compared to standard EN590 diesel?
These checks will ensure your sustainability reporting is built on evidence-based carbon reductions, not assumptions.
Make the switch with confidence
When you choose Crown Oil, you’re choosing a supplier that’s committed to genuine carbon reduction, environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance. We offer:
- Independently certified, waste-based HVO with traceable origins
- A secure, competitive and uninterrupted UK supply
- Detailed documentation to support ESG reporting and carbon disclosure
- Ongoing guidance from our fuel experts to help you meet your net-zero targets
As HVO becomes more widely adopted, the credibility of your fuel supply chain will come under closer scrutiny from investors, customers, and regulators alike. Don’t leave your carbon claims vulnerable to doubt – choose a trusted supplier like Crown Oil and ensure that your sustainability claims are backed up with full traceability.
