EMEA News
Neste Makes "Christmas Diesel" from Festive Hams
Highlighting the benefits of renewable fuel, Neste Corporation (Neste) Thursday announced a new Christmas campaign that will demonstrate "the power of recycling and circular economy" by producing diesel from waste fat collected from Finnish Christmas hams.
While not specifically aimed at its marine customers, Neste says the "festive charity stunt" highlights its continued push toward renewable fuels.
Called the "world's first Christmas diesel," Neste says the fuel's carbon footprint can be as much as 90 percent lower than that of regular diesel.
"We are constantly on the look for new renewable raw materials that we can turn into low-emission fuels. At the moment, it is not commercially viable to source waste fats directly from homes or even small restaurants, but that might change in the future," said Osmo Kammonen, VP, Communications and Brand Marketing at Neste.
"Our goal with this campaign is to bring the idea of circular economy closer to consumers, encourage recycling and environmental consciousness, and of course spread some holiday cheer."
Under the campaign, Finns will be able to donate ham fat at grocery stores and service stations across the country, with the collected amounts processed into a diesel by Neste.
Following the campaign, the fuel will be sold at Neste service stations, with proceeds set to be donated to two charitable organisations, including one that provides Christmas presents to low-income households, and another that organises sports opportunities for socially excluded youths.
"The technology used by the campaign to transform waste fats into diesel is already available and in use on a much larger scale. Not only is the fuel renewable and vastly more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels, but it also burns cleaner and is a better choice for engines," explained Neste.