At Gondwana Collection Namibia, we are constantly inspired by the incredible changemakers we meet across our country. Each of them has a story – a spark of an idea that grew into something bigger than themselves. Our recent visit to BEE Biofuel, a proudly Namibian company, showed us just how powerful that sparks can be.
What started over a decade ago as what Bruce Salt, the founder of BEE Biofuel jokingly calls “a very expensive cup of coffee” has since grown into one of Namibia’s most innovative recycling solutions. The idea was simple: instead of throwing away used cooking oil, why not give it a second life? That small thought has since blossomed into a business that produces biodiesel, eco-friendly cleaning products, firelighters, wood oils, and wastewater treatment solutions – all from waste that would otherwise end up in landfills or drains.
Founder of BEE Biofuel taking us through the process
From bucket to biofuel
The journey of used oil begins in kitchens across Namibia. Whether it’s from a bustling city restaurant or a Gondwana lodge, used cooking oil is collected in a clearly marked bucket provided by BEE Biofuel. This system makes it simple to separate used oil from fresh supplies and ensures that nothing gets wasted along the way.
Buckets used to fill up the used cooking oil
Once full, the buckets make their way back to BEE Biofuel’s plant. There, the oil goes through a careful process: it’s filtered, cleaned, and transformed through chemical treatment into biodiesel – a renewable alternative to traditional fuel. This biodiesel can be used in generators and older vehicles, helping reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cutting down harmful emissions.
But that’s only the beginning. BEE Biofuel believes in a zero-waste approach, which means every by-product finds a purpose.
More than just fuel
One of the fascinating by-products of the biodiesel process is glycerol. Instead of discarding it, the team turns it into environmentally friendly cleaning products. These multipurpose cleaners and degreasers are specifically designed to cut through oil and grease, making them perfect for removing kitchen splatters and workshops spills.
Another creative product is their charcoal firelighters, specifically made for Gondwana Collection. Instead of chemical-heavy cubes, these firelighters are made from charcoal soaked in biodiesel. The results? A clean, smokeless, and odourless way to start a fire – perfect for a Namibian braai.
Machines used to produce biodiesel
BEE Biofuel also produces wood oil, using biodiesel as carrier for linseed oil. This clever combination allows the oil to penetrate deeper into wood, helping to protect furniture and extend its lifespan.
And then there’s Baczyme – an enzyme-based solution designed to tackle sewage systems. With just a teaspoon added twice a week, it helps to break down solids and reduce odours, making the system more effective and easier to maintain.
Sewage powder used to clean sewage systems
Building awareness and opportunity
What impressed us just as much as the products was BEE Biofuel’s commitment to education and community development. They understand that sustainability doesn’t happen in isolation – it grows when people feel empowered to take part.
One initiation involves schools, where children are encouraged to bring used oil from their homes. This not only raises awareness about recycling but also helps families see the value of everyday waste. In northern Namibia, BEE Biofuel supports women and youth in creating small businesses around oil collection. What might have once been discarded in a backyard pit or down a drain now becomes part of a larger cycle of opportunity and income generation.
Gondwana’s part in the story
As part of our sustainability journey, Gondwana Collection lodges have been proud partners in this initiative. Our partnership with BEE Biofuel began in 2017, and together we’ve already seen remarkable results. Between November 2024 and September 2025 alone, Gondwana Collection contributed 1,560 litres of used cooking oil to BEE Biofuel. That’s thousands of litres that didn’t end up in the ground or polluting water sources but instead was transformed into clean energy and useful products.
Bruce showing the quality of the oil
For us, it’s a reminder that the choices we make behind the scenes – in our kitchens, maintenance rooms, and waste management systems, can have far-reaching impacts. Each litre recycled is a small victory for Namibia’s environment, and when added together, those victories become something truly meaningful.
A future fuelled by possibility
Our visit to BEE Biofuel left us inspired. It showed us that sustainability isn’t always about big, distant solutions – sometimes, it’s about reimagining the simplest things. A bucket of oil. A firelighter. A cleaning product. A spoonful of enzyme powder.
Every step adds up to something greater: cleaner energy, healthier communities, and a future where Namibia leads the way in innovation. At Gondwana Collection, we are proud to share stories like these, because they remind us that even waste has worth – if we have the vision to see it.
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