Connect with Astra Sage
By connecting with us, you'll be saving time, saving money, and most importantly - saving our planet.
Why sell UCO responsibly!
Better for the Environment & Public Health
Unfortunately, in India, some businesses illegally resell used cooking oil to small food vendors and households at cheap prices. This way UCO finds its way back in edible oil supply chain.
This practice is dangerous to public health.
Used cooking oil that is poured down drains can clog drainage systems and pollute waterways.
Compliance
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has guidelines for proper UCO disposal. The RUCO (Repurposing Used Cooking Oil) project specifically addresses the collection of inedible cooking oil for conversion into bio-diesel and other non-edible products. By law, any used cooking oil at the point of origin must be disposed off safely and the disposer shall maintain a record.
Health Hazard
When vegetable oil is reused repeatedly, it generates harmful Free Fatty Acids (FFAs). High levels of FFAs in your diet can lead to health problems like insulin resistance, inflammation, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Reusing old oil also deteriorates the taste and quality of your food products.
Money from Waste!!!
We offer competitive pricing based on the volume and quality of the used oil. You will receive transparent payments via bank transfer or cheque. Cash compensation will be available with an invoice
What is FFA?
Free Fatty Acids (FFAs) are components of fats that are not bound to other molecules and are therefore "free." FFAs are produced during the heating of cooking oils as a result of the decomposition of triglycerides, which are the main constituents of fat in oils. The heating process causes the triglyceride molecules to break down, releasing fatty acids. This can happen during the cooking or frying of food, as the oil is exposed to high temperatures and possibly to moisture and food particles, which can accelerate the breakdown process.
Low FFA content in Used Cooking Oil (UCO) is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, high levels of FFAs can indicate that the oil has been overly used or has degraded significantly, which can affect its suitability for further processing. For biodiesel production, for instance, high FFAs can lead to saponification issues during the transesterification process, where the FFAs react with the alcohol used to produce biodiesel, forming soap instead of the desired biodiesel. This not only reduces the yield of biodiesel but also complicates the purification process, leading to higher production costs.
Moreover, a low FFA content is often associated with better quality and a longer shelf-life of the oil, making it more desirable for buyers who may use the UCO for various purposes, including the production of biodiesel, animal feed supplements, or even for Soap Manufacturing. Low FFA levels in UCO are indicative of a product that has been well-managed and collected promptly after its initial use, ensuring higher purity and quality of the end product. Buyers, therefore, seek UCO with low FFA content to ensure the efficiency of their production processes and the quality of their final products.
Paperwork & Agreement
At Astra Sage, our straightforward contract for purchasing Used Cooking Oil (UCO) clearly outlines the necessary preparation steps for sellers, ensuring mutual understanding of obligations. This approach serves as both a guide and an operating procedure, simplifying the process and enhancing transaction efficiency
UCO Eligibility
At Astra Sage, we are focused on purchasing high-quality vegetable-based Used Cooking Oil (UCO). We accept a variety of oils including Soya, Canola, Palm, Safflower, Sunflower, and Groundnut Oil. To ensure the purity and quality of the oil, it must be free from water contamination, plastic waste, and solid debris. Sellers simply need to strain the oil and store it in a cool place until it is collected. By adhering to these standards, we guarantee a smooth and efficient transaction process, ensuring that the UCO we collect is of the highest quality for further processing and recycling into valuable products
Understanding FFA Content
The Free Fatty Acid (FFA) content in Used Cooking Oil (UCO) is a crucial quality indicator measured through laboratory chemical testing. High FFA levels typically result from oil being reused multiple times, cooking in closed kettles, or frying high-moisture foods, leading to increased fatty acid breakdown. Frying foods at sufficiently high temperatures helps moisture evaporate quickly, minimizing FFA formation. UCO with low FFA is clear, light-colored, and free from smoky odors, while dark, smoky, and foamy oil indicates high FFA. Understanding these characteristics can help manage frying practices to maintain lower FFA levels, ensuring higher quality UCO for recycling and reuse.
What Shall We do?
If you're unsure about the best practices for managing your Used Cooking Oil (UCO), we're here to help. Contact our business development and support team to learn more about the economics of vegetable oil and discover why topping up oil in frying cycles is economically disadvantageous. Topping up oil can lead to increased costs and reduced oil quality over time. Instead, selling your UCO immediately after the first or second use can maximize your returns and contribute to a more sustainable operation. Our team can provide you with the insights and guidance you need to make informed decisions, ensuring you get the most out of your UCO while supporting environmental sustainability.
Astra Sage On!
Connecting with us at Astra Sage is straightforward and hassle-free. You can easily reach out by filling out the forms on our website or by sending an email to ceo.founder@astra-sage.com or business.development@astra-sage.com. We will get in touch with you promptly, ensuring a smooth and obligation-free communication process. Let us assist you with your needs and help guide you towards sustainable and profitable UCO management.
