Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – In a bold move to combat plastic pollution and promote sustainability, cooking oil producer United Refineries plans to eliminate single-use plastic packaging by introducing oil dispensers across the country.

The initiative, set to be rolled out in the second quarter of this year, will allow consumers to refill their own containers with cooking oil, significantly reducing plastic waste.

United Refineries currently uses approximately 45 tons of plastic monthly to produce packaging bottles, a figure the company aims to bring down to zero.

In an interview, United Refineries general manager Benjamin Blatch said the new dispensers will eliminate single plastic use while offering customers a competitive price.

“Our big new product is the oil dispenser. We are trying to eliminate single-use plastic while offering consumers a slightly beneficial price. We are rolling out these dispensers in local markets and have already seen a positive response from consumers,” he said.

Blatch added that consumers can bring their own bottles in whatever size or shape, refill them with oil, and this will help them eliminate 45 tons of plastic from the market every month.

“This is a significant step toward protecting the environment and reducing costs,” he said.

“The introduction of oil dispensers marks a significant step toward reducing plastic waste and fostering a greener future for Zimbabwe.

“This is not just about business, it’s about responsibility. We are committed to creating a sustainable future for our consumers and our environment.”

The initiative is expected to set a precedent for other industries to adopt eco-friendly practices, aligning with global efforts to combat plastic pollution and promote environmental conservation.

However, the move comes as United Refineries is grappling with other challenges such as sourcing raw materials due to delays at ports, borders, and insufficient working capital.

Blatch said despite these hurdles, the company remains optimistic about stabilizing its operations and increasing production capacity.

“Our capacity utilization is slightly lower than we’d like due to ongoing machinery upgrades. However, we expect significant improvements in the second quarter as new equipment comes online,” he explained, adding that the company has invested heavily in modernizing its machinery to enhance efficiency and meet growing demand.

He said United Refineries is also expanding its agricultural and contract farming initiatives to strengthen its supply chain.

“We are looking to bolster our agricultural side, which will directly impact our manufacturing processes. This will ensure a steady supply of raw materials and improve our overall output,” he said.

Blatch added that the company employs over 100 permanent workers and 60 to 70 casual laborers, with demand for its products remaining steady, particularly in Bulawayo, where it enjoys strong local support.

He also highlighted the importance of a stable economic environment for the company’s growth, applauding the authorities for the current level of stability prevailing in the market.

“We are seeing a level of stability in the market, with the disparity between formal and informal exchange rates converging. This has allowed for better transactions through the willing buyer, willing seller system, which we greatly appreciate,” he said.

New Ziana