Dubai-based Neutral Fuels and McDonald’s UAE have teamed up in a first-of-its-kind partnership to produce environmentally friendly 100 per cent biodiesel from used vegetable oil.

Used vegetable oil will be collected from McDonald’s outlets across the UAE under a long term contract with Neutral Fuels and converted into 100 per cent biodiesel.

McDonald’s UAE will use eco-friendly biodiesel in its logistics fleet, thus achieving significant reductions in its carbon footprint.

Neutral Fuels is a joint venture between the Neutral Group, a major provider of energy-efficient operational solutions for leading companies worldwide, and an Emirati member of Dubai SME.

Dubai FDI, the foreign investment promotion arm of the Department of Economic Development, supported Neutral Fuels through its entire cycle and was instrumental in the new enterprise becoming the first commercial producer of pure biodiesel in the Middle East.

“Neutral Fuels and McDonald’s UAE have formed a unique synergy that promotes business as well as conservation,” said Fahad Al Gergawi, chief executive officer of Dubai FDI.

“It is a testament to the innovative opportunities presented by Dubai for profitable investment, business growth and commercial application of state-of-the-art technologies. It also underscores the fact that sustainability makes good business sense.”

Karl Feilder, chairman of The Neutral Group, said: “It is a pleasure to be working with McDonald’s and it is an honour to be the first company to be licensed by the government to produce biodiesel in the Middle East. We hope that this initiative demonstrates to a wide audience that going green can be both environmentally desirable and commercially viable.”

Rafic Fakih, managing director and partner of McDonald’s UAE, said: “As a founder of the CSR Network and partner of EEG (Emirates Environment Group), McDonald’s UAE has demonstrated a passionate and long-term commitment to investing in environmental initiatives.”

“We are proud to be the first McDonald’s in the region to adopt this exciting environmental initiative, in collaboration with our trusted partners DED and Neutral Fuels. We believe it is a step in the right direction towards a more environmentally-friendly UAE, and we would encourage other public and private companies to do the same,” he added.

Biodiesel is a cleaner alternative energy source in the face of increasing energy demand in the region and mounting concerns on global warming. Made from organic sources such as vegetable oils and edible oils, 100 per cent biodiesel can be used in place of conventional diesel bringing about obvious substantial savings on fuel and better environmental performance of diesel engines.

The vehicles being used under the first phase required no modification and are running seamlessly on 100 per cent biodiesel, a statement said. – TradeArabia News Service