The rendering function is that of recycling the co-products resulting from food animal production. The rendering and its ancillary support industry has ecologically and economically processed the more than 44 billion pounds of inedible animal tissue generated annually into products of value for a variety of useful purposes. Rendering represents the most successful and efficient recycling effort in the world today. It is a process that involves the sanitary collection of animal raw material from slaughter, packing, processing, food preparation and fallen animal sites for transport to process controlled facilities, heated to a temperature higher than required for sterilization, which also removes the moisture, the fat is extracted from the protein. The fat and protein are then used as animal feed ingredients. Edible tallow and lard are used in all food groups to include bakery products and cooking compounds. Inedible animal by-products are utilized as important energy and protein components for animal nutrition, a multitude of industrial uses that in part includes biodiesel, fertilizers, soap, rubber and plastics. This important recycling function currently is accomplished by approximately 260 North American facilities.

Approximately 110 industry members voluntarily support and contribute in a cooperative effort to focus research resources to the industry’s research needs and initiatives. The major resource has been the university and public research institutions with capable staff and facilities. Thus the foundation is not required to invest capital in equipment and facilities and effectively compliment existing public investments. All researchers are strongly encouraged to publish the results in respected peer reviewed journals. Progress and final reports on all projects are provided to foundation members semi-annually. Research projects focus on a variety of areas that currently include biodiesel, soil amendments and protein and fat objectives in all domestic animal production including aquaculture.