(April 28, 2011, Hong Kong) Friends of the Earth (HK) (“FoE (HK)”) has joined forces with Dynamic Progress International Limited (“DPI”), the first local bio-diesel manufacturer in Hong Kong, to launch the “Recycle Local • Reuse Local” waste management solution (“Campaign”) which converts used cooking oil into renewable energy like bio-diesels in a safe and eco-friendly manner and to provide bio-diesels for local industries as well as major public and commercial organizations. This campaign minimises environmental pollution and reduces carbon footprints from unnecessary cross border transportation, an extra bonus benefit brought about by local collection, recycling and consumption.

 

The “Recycle Local • Reuse Local ” Used Cooking Oil Recycling Campaign sought support from the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants as well as other large scale corporations like the Maxim’s Group, Hong Kong International Airport, Cathay Pacific Catering, Sino Group, Pokka Corporation and others, to promote recycling, green consumption, carbon emission reduction and public health protection.

 

The -campaign details were announced today in a press conference held by FoE (HK) and DPI. The key-note speakers at the launch were Mr. Edwin Lau, Director of FoE; Mr. Steve Choi, Executive Director, and in attendance were local stakeholders including key executives of the major participating companies.

 

Statistics have revealed that the Campaign last year collected 2.8 million litres of used cooking oil for recycling to produce bio-fuels. This led to a significant reduction in greenhouse gases (“GHG”) of close to 6.6 million kg. Together with local consumption of bio-fuels which helps minimise cross-border transportation, the total reduction of GHG came to more than 8.5 million kg; that is the equivalent of planting 370,000 trees.

 

Internationally renowned bio-fuel expert, Professor Martin Tangney, Director of Scotland's National Bio-fuel Centre at Edinburgh Napier University commented, "The need for and clear advantages of sustainable bio-fuel have been long recognised in Europe, where there are legally binding Government bio-fuel targets in place. In Scotland Argent Energy have pioneered the production of bio-diesel from waste fat, significantly reducing CO2 emissions and contributing towards our bio-fuel targets. I am delighted to see such a positive initiative in Hong Kong towards recycling of waste cooking oil and I look forward to supporting the continued development of sustainable bio-fuel in Hong Kong."

 

“FoE (HK) is dedicated to advancing with different environmental programmes in order to effectively reduce waste at the source as well as advocate producer responsibility,” said Mr. Edwin Lau of FoE (HK). “There are proper ways to recycle used cooking oil as we’ve seen in other countries such as the United States and Australia. However, not many Hong Kong people ever think about where cooking oil ends up after it is used”

 

“Environmental protection isn’t just a slogan but a mission that requires commitment from all sectors of society as well as the business community,” said Mr. Steve Choi, Executive Director of DPI. “ Recycle Local, Reuse Local ” as a sustainable and meaningful initiative effectively transforms waste into useful resources using scientific-based and eco-friendly technology, and to provide bio-diesels for local industries as well as major public and commercial organizations. It ultimately improves the environment and directly benefits the local community. The emphasis on ‘Local’ will also help further reduce carbon emissions by reducing unnecessary importing and exporting the bio-diesel products. Moreover, it minimises our dependence on exported fuels and helps create more local job opportunities.”

 

The centralised collection of used oil also reduces traffic and transportation by various used cooking oil collectors, which in turn, facilitates further reductions in carbon emissions, adds Mr. Choi.

 

Mr. Choi also states that bio-diesel is a renewable, nontoxic, biodegradable, and eco-friendly alternate fuel. Bio-diesel emissions decrease levels of potentially carcinogenic compounds and drastically reduce GHG. In addition, bio-diesel is highly adaptable for diesel engines or related equipment with no need for modifications.

 

Despite a total of 20 million kg of used cooking oil available across the Territory last year, only 15% was converted to bio-diesel for local use. Mr. Choi points out that the environmental protection efficacy and market potential would be substantial if the campaign were to be rolled out territory-wide.

 

DPI is responsible for providing containers for oil collection and handling all logistics-related matters. A monthly report stating the amount of used cooking oil collected as well as a carbon reduction figure will be issued to participating companies to verify their environmental contributions. These participating companies will then be entitled to display a special programme icon to demonstrate their green commitment to the public.