QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd, operator of KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants, embarked on strategic partnership with FatHopes Energy Sdn Bhd to deploy sustainable practices and eco-friendliness in its operation by processing oil wastage into industry fuel.

The initiative is an effort in driving change towards social and environmental well-being while generating a consistent sustainable stream of biofuels originating from Malaysia.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was formalised with a document exchange between QSR Brands Restaurants Division chief executive officer, Merrill Christopher Pereyra and FatHopes Energy founder and chief executive officer, Vinesh Sinha.

The exchange was witnessed by QSR Brands chairman, Datuk Kamaruzzaman Abu Kassim; QSR Brands managing director, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azahari Mohamed Kamil and FatHopes Energy chief operating officer, Datuk Eddy Leong in a ceremony held at KFC Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur.

Datuk Kamaruzzaman noted that the partnership with FatHopes Energy is a firm step forward in QSR Brands’ sustainability journey and is fully aligned with its renewed focus on an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework, pointing to the many benefits derived from this initiative.

“The social outcome of this initiative focuses on channelling the used oil produced towards traceable, industrial application instead of running the possibility of any Malaysians consuming repurposed used oil in their everyday meals.

“Its environmental impact comes from the diversion of these oils towards biofuels which means significant amount of carbon will no longer be emitted into the atmosphere.

“Lastly, the initiative has economic benefits too as a result of a significant increase in used oil income due to the added volumetric yield of used cooking oil recovery from the KFC stores,” he said.

Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azahari also noted that the proprietary FHE iTank System by FatHopes Energy, an innovative used oil aggregation solution that will be installed in all KFC restaurants, is designed to enhance operational efficiencies within the restaurant’s kitchen by eliminating direct handling as well as increase recovery yields significantly.

“We’re very supportive of FatHopes Energy’s innovative waste recovery technologies, the speed of their commercial scale rollout targets as well as their passion for waste to energy creation.  

“Besides that, having them as our sustainability partner allows us to focus more on our core business, serving our finger lickin’ good chicken to the millions of customers every month,” he added.

Expressing confidence on the partnership, Vinesh Sinha said that the tie up with QSR is another significant milestone in FatHopes Energy journey and an exemplary initiative that should be adopted across the industry.

“We are fully aware of the multifaceted nature of climate concerns and recognise that there are limits to what a company can do independently in addressing such challenges.

“But we remain persistent and proactive in creating or exploring solutions that are not just economically sound but also bring about significant social and environmental benefits.

“We are grateful to have the support of QSR Brands and are happy to offer our expertise and capability to provide innovative solution in managing waste oil from all KFC restaurants in an ethical and highly responsible manner,” said Vinesh.

The initiative with FatHopes Energy will be rolled out in stages starting with the installation of FHE iTanks in KFC restaurants across Malaysia and potentially Singapore.

The parties are now in final stages of discussion on the second phase of the initiative, whereby FatHopes Energy will operate QSR Brands’ biodiesel plant in Port Klang for waste based biofuels production.

Operated by FatHopes Energy, the operational capacity of the existing biodiesel facility will be increased to drive the global agenda of decarbonisation – positioning Malaysia as a pioneer in the area of waste based biofuels production.

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