Sunway Hotels & Resorts, the hospitality division of Malaysian conglomerate Sunway Group, has partnered with compatriot FatHopes Energy Sdn Bhd for the recycling of its used cooking oil (UCO) into biodiesel. Through this sustainability initiative, more than fifty percent of the participating Sunway Hotels' UCO is expected to be recycled and collected by FatHopes Energy on a weekly basis at the hotels' respective collection centres to be converted into biodiesel.
Sunway Hotels & Resorts currently operates a portfolio of 11 hotels in Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam, representing over 3 000 guestrooms, suites, and villas at its owned and managed properties. A subsidiary of Sunway Berhad, one of Malaysia’s leading property developers that operates a diverse portfolio of hospitality assets and services that includes ownership and management of an integrated resort city with a cluster of hotels with large scale convention, meeting and exhibition facilities, to private villa resorts, a wellness retreat and a collection of 5, 4 and 3-star hotels in mixed-use development.
At least 50 percent converted into biodiesel
The partnership with FatHopes Energy includes six participating Sunway Hotels & Resorts in Malaysia – Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, Sunway Pyramid Hotel and Sunway Clio Hotel located in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, Sunway Putra Hotel in Kuala Lumpur city centre and Sunway Hotel Georgetown and Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya in Penang.
By partnering with FatHopes Energy, we are assured of not only the conversion of the used cooking oil into an ecologically beneficial energy stream but also to the environment, which has become a priority to the business while being mindful towards the efficiency of our operations and stakeholders value, said Colin Yeoh, Sunway Hotels & Resorts’ Group Director of Food & Beverage.
Sunway Hotels & Resorts has reported that at minimum, fifty percent of its used cooking oil (UCO) is expected to be recycled into biodiesel.
Cooking oil in the hotel is used for various methods of cooking including as part of an ingredient in dishes and not just for deep frying. However, with proper recycling, data monitoring and collection now in place with FatHopes Energy, our Hotels can expect the percentage to increase in the long term, Colin Yeoh added.
FatHopes Energy’s primary focus is in collecting waste vegetable oil, consolidating and processing it for the production of biofuels. The company also operates a biodiesel plant in its premises located at Subang New Village, Shah Alam, Selangor.
We are honoured by the stewardship and commitment of Sunway Hotels & Resorts as it is a milestone for the groups sustainability journey and an exemplary initiative that should be adopted across the country. This long-term partnership will also help raise awareness and spur other related industries to take this significant step in creating a sustainable future with us, said Vinesh Sinha, CEO and Founder, FatHopes Energy.
Without proper collection, cooking fats, oil and grease (FOG) end up down the drain, which can clog sewage lines due to the build-up of fats, so-called fatbergs. Around the world and in Malaysia, this issue has become a real concern.
