Álvaro Iglesias

1. You’ve spent over 25 years in agri-commodities, with the last 13 focused on biofuels. What drew you specifically to biofuels and what key shifts have you seen in the biofuels industry over time? 

What drew me to biofuels was the opportunity to connect a global-scale business with a measurable environmental impact. After spending many years trading animal fats, vegetable oils and other waste and residues, I began to see a clear shift: those same products could now be used to decarbonize transport. In the past years, the biofuels industry has evolved from a niche alternative to a strategic pillar in energy transition. Sustainability certification, traceability and carbon intensity are now just as important as price and logistics. 

2. How has your international experience attending events and conferences across Europe, the U.S. and Latin America shaped your approach to biofuels trading?

It has given me perspective and anticipation. Attending these events allows me to detect early market signals, understand regulatory developments firsthand and align the expectations of suppliers and end users across regions. It also helps me build trust and credibility with international counterparts, who often need a reliable partner to navigate Latin American complexities.

3. What makes the Latin American biofuels landscape unique compared to other regions? 

Latin America offers an uncommon mix of agricultural abundance, industrial capabilities and geographic positioning. However, what makes it truly unique is its adaptability. Despite political and economic instability in some countries, the industry keeps moving forward. The region is also open to innovation: we see growing interest in non-traditional feedstocks like camelina, carinata, macauba or even other industrial by-products, which could be game changers globally. 

4. You’ve mentioned the cultural differences across Latin American countries, which make it a very heterogeneous market. How do these differences impact how you build partnerships in the region? 

Many people have the impression that Latin America is a single, unified market, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s a region made up of vastly different realities, business cultures and negotiation styles. In some countries, relationships and personal trust are the cornerstones of doing business; in others, speed, efficiency and pricing might take precedence. That means you need to adapt your approach market by market, partner by partner. There’s no universal playbook that works across the region. 

Another key lesson is the importance of continuity. Staying present in the market (even when conditions are tough) is critical. Stepping out might seem like a tactical decision, but the price of re-entering and trying to reclaim space is often much higher. That’s exactly what we’re doing at STX: we’re entering markets with a long-term mindset. We’re here to stay, to build durable relationships and to be a consistent, trusted counterpart throughout the region. 

5. What opportunities do you see for Latin America in the global biofuels space and how can STX help unlock them?

Latin America has the potential to be a key supplier of sustainable feedstocks and advanced biofuels to Europe, the US and Asia, but it needs partners that can bring structure, market access and compliance assurance. What we do is bridge the gap between local producers and global end users, providing financial tools, regulatory expertise and logistic solutions tailored to the specific needs of each market. The recent acquisition of Marine Olie has only deepened our reach and strengthened our presence in Latin America, allowing us to better support regional players and expand the impact of our operations across the continent. 

6. What are the most exciting developments you’re currently working on in your role at STX in the region? 

We are developing bulk logistics solutions that allow us to move away from isolated, small-scale shipments and toward more integrated, scalable flows. Something that has recently materialized through our first storage operation outside the European market.  This represents a strategic milestone for STX and reinforces our long-term commitment to Latin America.

We’re also unlocking value from non-conventional feedstocks that meet sustainability criteria but haven’t traditionally been part of the mainstream biofuels trade. These efforts are positioning us as a long-term player with a serious commitment to the region’s potential. 

7. After decades in the commodities industry, what keeps you motivated and energized about the future of biofuels?

What motivates me the most is the sense that we’re just getting started. The energy transition is unfolding in real time and biofuels have a key role to play. Being able to contribute to that shift, especially from a region with as much potential as Latin America, is incredibly motivating for me. Working at STX, where entrepreneurship and global vision go hand in hand, fuels my energy even more. Every day brings a new challenge worth solving.