Sustainability
Waste oils, known as the world’s largest volume of non-aqueous hazardous waste, can be re-refined indefinitely.
It is a clear example of how the industry can adapt and prosper while embracing a circular economy model that promotes material reuse and reduces the demand for new resources.
Re-refining waste oil is an intricate industrial process that has a profound impact on sustainability and resource management. This process extends beyond waste reduction, significantly contributing to a more responsible and eco-friendly future by converting used lubricating oils into valuable base oils while minimising the environmental impact of waste oil disposal.
GEIR members are committed to producing high-quality re-refined base oils through waste oil recycling. They play a vital role in the circular economy, resource conservation, and the fight against climate change by reducing the carbon footprint of lubricants:
Resource Conservation:
Instead of depleting natural resources by using virgin crude oil to make base oil, re-refining recovers and regenerates oil that’s already been used. This reduces the need for new raw materials and helps extend the life of existing oil reserves, promoting long-term sustainability.
CO2 Emission Reduction:
Re-refining has a significantly lower environmental impact compared to the production of new base oil and turning waste oil into fuel. This results in a smaller carbon footprint, with fewer emissions of CO2 and other harmful greenhouse gases.
Re-refining vs. processing virgin crude oil:
Re-refined waste oils save up 71% of CO2 emissions and reduce fine particles by as much as 90%.
Re-refining vs. treatment to fuel oil:
The re-refining process emits fewer emissions leading to a 47% reduction in CO2 emissions and 59% in fine particles.