Ecoil, a social enterprise from Rajasthan, is tackling the issue of used cooking oil disposal by converting it into biodiesel, significantly reducing carbon emissions. The founders, Sushil and Kirti Vaishnav, aim to scale their operations across India, seeking investment to expand their innovative solution to a pressing environmental problem.
In India, the disposal of used cooking oil is a significant environmental concern. Every year, over 300 crore liters of burnt oil are generated, with more than 60% finding its way back into the food supply, leading to severe health risks such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cancer, and heart attacks. Ecoil, a social enterprise founded by Sushil and Kirti Vaishnav from Bundi, Rajasthan, aims to address this issue by collecting used cooking oil from food outlets and converting it into biodiesel.
When cooking oil is reused multiple times, its carbon chains break down, converting it into unsaturated fatty acids that can clog arteries and lead to various health issues. The alarming fact is that India generates a massive amount of used cooking oil, which is often discarded improperly. This not only poses health risks but also contributes to environmental degradation.
Ecoil collects used cooking oil from restaurants and individuals through a mobile application, ensuring 100% traceability from collection to fulfillment. The collected oil is then converted into biodiesel, which emits 70% lower carbon than regular fuel and contains no sulfur, making it a direct replacement for conventional diesel.
Sushil Vaishnav has a background in food technology and has worked with major companies like Nestle and Dalmia. Kirti Vaishnav, an electronics and communication engineer, has experience in supply chain management. Their combined expertise in food technology and supply chain logistics has been instrumental in launching Ecoil.
Ecoil operates on a liquid reverse logistics model, where restaurants can request oil collection through their app. The process involves:
Ecoil charges an average of ₹30 per liter for collection, providing an additional income stream for restaurants. The founders aim to scale their operations, projecting revenues of ₹26 to ₹30 crore in the coming year, with a net margin of around 15%.
While Ecoil has made significant strides, challenges remain in scaling the business. The biodiesel market in India is still developing, with only about 40 manufacturers operating at 30-40% capacity due to supply chain issues. However, the demand for sustainable fuel is growing, and Ecoil is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
The founders believe that the biodiesel industry could grow to a ₹5 billion market, with Ecoil aiming for a revenue target of ₹700-800 crore in the next five years. They are also exploring partnerships with larger companies to enhance their supply chain and production capabilities.
Ecoil is not just a business; it is a movement towards sustainability and environmental responsibility. By converting used cooking oil into biodiesel, Ecoil is addressing a critical issue while promoting a greener future. The founders are seeking investment to expand their operations and continue their mission of transforming waste into energy, ultimately contributing to a sustainable future for India.
