Words by Smiley Team
A ‘circular economy’ is an economic system that aims to minimise waste and make the most of resources. Such intent is inherent to Proper Oils, an eco-business that is making a real impact in the commercial sector.
“That’s at the core of our business,” says spokesperson Philippa Classey. “Being responsible for everything you put in to, and take out of, the economy.”
Set up in 2007, Proper Oils collects used cooking oil and then recycles it for refining into biodiesel. This reduces the risk of pollution to water systems (from the illegal disposal of oil), and delivers substantial carbon savings by turning a waste product into fuel – biodesel significantly reduces carbon emissions, and is one of the greenest ways to power diesel engines.
“We collect the used cooking oil from caterers, restaurants and other businesses that use oil in bulk, and then we clean it,” Philippa explains. “Renewable energy companies then buy this recycled oil to convert into biodiesel, a much more environmentally friendly fuel compared to other types taken from the ground.”
Based in west London, Proper Oils employs around 20 people, and has built up an impressive client base of over 2,000 customers in south-east England. Providing a comprehensive service, they not only collect oil but deliver it too, offering a range of vegetable oils to be dropped off at the same time as collection.
“We recycle millions of litres of cooking oil every year,” says Philippa. “That’s a significant amount of waste taken out of the system. The company is also as carbon neutral as possible.”
Indeed, proudly declaring itself a ‘zero to landfill’ business, the award-winning Proper Oils ensures that all packaging used is recycled, their premises are run on green energy, they negate any carbon footprint by planting trees with the Woodland Trust,all their lorries are low emission, and they now have their first electric lorry on order. The company has also set up Unblocking the Community, a collection and recycling scheme for domestic cooking oil and fats.
“I’ve worked at organisations where the environmental element is an afterthought,” Philippa says. “We make those choices to put the environment first, and we do it the proper way. The clue is in our name.”
To find out more about Proper Oils go to www.properoils.co.uk To get in contact or enquire about oil collection, call 020 3613 4585 or email [email protected]
By Theo Hooper
