Fueling Change One Drop at a Time with Ecoil

The only right way to celebrate monsoons is with a hot plate of tempting pakoras or samosas. In most desi homes, once you whip up a fresh batch of any fried item, we see our mothers reuse the cooking oil. Rather than throwing it away, the compelling need to reuse everything until it's exhausted is ingrained in every Indian's blood. Alternatively, when used cooking oil goes down the drain, it clogs our pipes and negatively impacts the environment. But, what if that very oil, which is usually considered waste, could be turned into something powerful, purposeful, and planet-friendly? That’s exactly what Ecoil is doing.

Ecoil aims to convert used cooking oil into clean-burning biodiesel. Yes, you heard that right, your old oil can now fuel vehicles. It's like giving your frying pan a green superpower! This clever solution not only reduces waste but also cuts down on harmful emissions, moving us one step closer to a circular economy where nothing goes to waste. In a world that’s constantly seeking smarter, greener ways to live, this novel idea is refreshingly simple and surprisingly impactful. Let’s dig into how they are making sustainability sizzle.

From Grease to Green

When you think of sustainability, greasy leftover cooking oil probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But for Susheel and Kirti Vaishnav, co-founders, that everyday kitchen waste is a goldmine, liquid gold to be exact. Their innovative startup collects used cooking oil and converts it into clean-burning biodiesel, addressing food safety, pollution, and energy concerns simultaneously. We caught up with the duo to find out how the venture started, how it works behind the scenes, and why your leftover frying oil could be the future of fuel.

However, isn’t it mind-boggling how the founders came up with this idea! The founders, Susheel Vaishnav and Kirti Vaishnav, noticed a concerning practice: many food businesses were either reusing cooking oil beyond safety limits or disposing of it improperly, resulting in health risks and environmental pollution. They realised that this waste oil could be transformed into a valuable resource, biodiesel. Inspired by the principles of sustainability and the circular economy, Ecoil was launched with the mission to safely collect used cooking oil (UCO) and recycle it into eco-friendly biofuel.

The brand has developed a robust and tech-enabled collection ecosystem. “We partner with restaurants, hotels, cloud kitchens, street food vendors, and housing societies to collect UCO regularly, and provide tamper-proof storage containers to ensure the oil remains uncontaminated. Use a digital tracking system to record every pickup, including weight, date, and partner details, and offer scheduled pickups, making it easy for partners to. These partnerships and systems ensure traceability, efficiency, and transparency", the founders share. 

It is a rigorous process that transforms used cooking oil into biodiesel. The method of converting UCO into biodiesel is called transesterification. The first step would be to collect and filter the used oil, removing food particles and impurities. Next, the oil is treated with alcohol (usually methanol) and a catalyst (such as sodium hydroxide) to trigger a chemical reaction. Lastly, separation, this reaction produces two by-products: biodiesel and glycerin. The biodiesel is separated and purified. “To ensure quality, we follow BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) and international quality norms. Each batch is tested in a certified lab for properties like viscosity, density, and flash point”, the founders comment.

Ecoil’s efforts are already making waves. So far, the startup has collected and recycled over 500,000 litres of used cooking oil, waste that might have otherwise ended up in our water or food chain. This has helped offset 1,200 metric tons of CO2 emissions, equivalent to planting 40,000 trees. Not to mention the millions of litres of water saved from contamination, just one litre of used oil can pollute up to 100,000 litres of water.

The Roadblocks: Red Tape and Resistance

As with any green venture, the road hasn’t been entirely smooth. “The biodiesel sector in India is highly regulated,” the founders share. They further add, “We have to navigate complex licensing, lack of incentives, and informal markets that undercut the value of used oil.” Another major challenge? Awareness. Convincing food businesses to part with their used oil wasn’t easy in the beginning. “There was a lot of hesitation; some didn’t want to disclose how they dispose of oil. We had to build trust, offer convenience, and educate people about why this matters.” That trust-building seems to be paying off. Today, more businesses are opening their kitchens to the brand and even requesting certification to demonstrate their commitment to safe and sustainable practices. 

A Movement, Not Just a Business

More than just a fuel provider, Ecoil is running a full-blown awareness movement. From social media campaigns and influencer partnerships to workshops for food businesses and collaborations with NGOs, the team is committed to changing mindsets. “We want people to see value in waste. The idea is to make oil disposal as routine as waste segregation,” says Kirti. Their "Dispose-Drive-Dine" campaign aims to do just that, turning oil disposal into a regular, responsible habit. The response has been largely positive. Customers value biodiesel for being eco-friendly, cost-effective, and a clean-burning fuel. Many corporates have shown interest in adopting it as part of their sustainability goals.

The biodiesel is already being used by transport companies, fleet operators, construction firms, and even for powering generators at events and buildings. “It’s eco-friendly, cost-effective, and burns cleaner,” the founders opine. The startup is also part of FSSAI’s RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil) initiative and works with municipal bodies and corporate clients like Jumbo King.

Looking ahead, Ecoil has big plans. The team is eyeing expansion into tier-1 and tier-2 cities, launching more community-level collection programs, and even experimenting with product lines like waste-oil-based soaps and candles. There’s also a strong R&D push. The startup is exploring algae-based biofuels and multi-feedstock systems, proving they’re not just thinking about now, but also what comes next.