Expansion in Bio-Fuel operations welcome - McInnes

12.00.00am GMT Thu 5th Feb 2009

Alison McInnes MSP, Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson, has welcomed the news that the food logistics and wholesale distribution firm 3663 is to expand its bio fuel initiative to its Edinburgh depot next month.

On a visit to 3663's Edinburgh depot to highlight the innovative use of bio fuel in an increasing number of their 1,200 strong fleet, Mrs McInnes learned that Convert2Green, the firm which handles the conversion from used oil to bio fuel, is to begin operations in Edinburgh. This will more than double the number of vehicles which use bio fuel.

Commenting after the visit, Mrs McInnes commented:

"The work 3663 and Convert2Green are doing to lessen the environmental impact of their fleet is a shining example of best practice. Rather than taking away from food production, the process they use is entirely self renewing. Having seen the benefits of such a process, I would like to see it replicated as far and wide as possible.

"Liberal Democrats want to see the conversion of used oil into bio fuel expanded to the public sector. I will be pursuing this matter with local authorities and the Scottish Government to ensure that all that can be done is being done.

"We must increase the collection of used oil and its conversion into recycled fuel. Bio fuel is not the answer to climate change, but its use in reducing transport emissions is certainly part of the solution."

Graham Rennie, Director of Fleet for 3663, said:

"We are delighted to be able to start fuelling our fleet here in Edinburgh with sustainable bio diesel made from waste vegetable oil.

"This will allow us to supply customers across Scotland with a more sustainable delivery service. The programme of converting waste vegetable oil from our customers and suppliers has allowed us to remove 3663 from the food vs. fuel debate."

Andrew Webb, Director of Convert2Green, added:

"Convert2Green and 3663 have worked together closely for several years on a programme to collect used cooking oil from 3663 customers and suppliers, turning it into bio diesel and then powering the company's fleet of trucks to deliver food.

"This partnership has produced nearly 4-million litres of bio diesel and reduced CO2 emissions by more than 10,000 tons compared to mineral diesel."