A well-oiled recycling machine
Every year Ragn-Sells’ processing facilities in Sweden receives thousands of tonnes of oil. A majority is what is known as waste oil, which is regenerated after processing. This means that it is restored to original base oil that can be re-introduced to the market and used again. Ragn-Sells receives and collects oil from workshops, industries, ports, and other business that need help taking care of their used oil.
30 Mar 2021An industry that Ragn-Sells in Sweden has chosen to develop a special concept for is the auto repair workshops. Ragn-Sells provides fireproof cabinets for storage of harmful waste at an ever-growing number of workshops. These harmful substances are then collected by Ragn-Sells and the content is treated and recycled. There are many benefits with this, not just environmental but also for the workshops, who gets a receipt to confirm that their hazardous materials are being dealt with properly. They also get a statement and supporting statistics showing how much of the content that has been recycled.
- When we talk to the workshops and tell them that their oil can be recycled, it often prompts a real “aha moment”. A lot of people have no idea that their waste oil can become high-quality base oil again, says Maria Kosinski, Group Portfolio Manager at Ragn-Sells.
The waste oil that can be recycled, is sent to refineries in Europe where it is cleaned and turned into new base oil. To keep the environmental impact to a minimum, the oil is transported by train to a refinery in Germany for regeneration, and the oil that goes to a Finnish refinery is sent as a bulk consignment by ship. To ensure maximum recovery, it is important that the workshops do not mix the fluids but separate out the used oil.
- The regenerated base oil is actually of a more consistent quality since it has been purified and does not contain any particles. So, this oil is really a higher quality oil, continues Kosinski.
An ever-increasing recycling rate
Thanks to a high level of expertise and modern technology, Ragn-Sells is able to process all kinds of oil, and the recycling rate is increasing constantly. In our various treatment processes, the oil is cleaned by separating out any contaminants, particles, sludge, sediment, and water, and as a result the oil is given new life and becomes part of the circular flow. This way less virgin oil is needed, and this is a big win for the climate.
- In addition to the regeneration of waste oil, Ragn-Sells can also recycle oil filters, brake fluids and other materials, generated by the workshops. And as a private customer, you can do your part by asking for recycled products at the workshop and ask them what they do with their waste oil. It’s a good feeling for both customers and suppliers to know that they have done the right thing, concludes Kosinski.
