A Canadian facility operated by Parkland Corporation reported that it has expanded its co-processing of biobased feedstocks, taking advantage of upgraded refining units that allow blend-in of renewable inputs for production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and low-carbon diesel. While the main article is upstream/downstream mix, it directly affects refining: the ability of refinery units to accept and process non-traditional feedstock without major disruption or wholly new units. This co-processing evolution reflects downstream resilience and adaptation amid tightening climate regulations.

For refining and technology stakeholders this means: established units may need retrofits or process-adjustments (catalyst, hydrotreating, blending systems) to handle mixed feedstocks; supply chains will change; and tracking feedstock origin/compliance (for SAF) becomes part of refinery operations.

Take-away: Refiners should assess readiness of existing process units for biobased feedstocks, review catalyst and hydrotreating integrity, and integrate sustainable-fuel production into their business-case planning.