Biofuels

Innovation earns company biofuels award.

- Kimberley Smuts

Market research company and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan has awarded its 2016 Company of the Year Award to South African renew able energy company Biogreen for its innovative performance and customer impact in the production of biodiesel from used cooking oil.

Biogreen offers its suppliers and customers set contracts, which are independent of oil prices, therefore, providing reliable service.

For some of its customers, it also supplies new oil and collects used oil from customer premises.

The company works with well-known companies such as retailers Woolworths Food, Pick n Pay, Burger King and Boxer Stores. Brand owners derive value and strengthen their corporate image by using sustainable fuels in their operations,with brand and retail owners noticing a positive consumer reaction.

Frost & Sullivan explains that, using biodiesel reduces the demand for fossil based fuels, in turn, increasing energy security and decreasing energy consumption and net carbon emissions.

There are currently an estimated 28-million tons of waste cooking oil generated yearly in South Africa and only three-million tons to five-million tons is being collected for reuse.

The rest of the waste cooking oil goes to waste disposal or is resold as a cheaper alternative to fresh oil to poor communities.

Biogreen produces between 20 000 l and 25 000 l a year and, with new operations opening in Johannesburg and Durban, the company’s combined output will be over 30 000 l.