Green Tech, Energy & Sustainability India

Styrian expertise to reduce health risks in India

A pilot project with a strong signal effect: How a company from Styria, with support from ICS, is shifting from a traditional waste management model to a health-focused solution approach for the Indian market.

The Münzer Bioindustrie GmbH, based in Sinabelkirchen, has specialised for years in collecting and recycling used cooking oil. However, looking to India opened up a completely new approach for the company: In South India, where deep-fried cooking is common, oil is rarely changed—often with serious consequences. Repeated use leads to the formation of substances that are harmful to health, some of which are carcinogenic. At the same time, many areas lack professional disposal structures—used cooking oil not infrequently ends up directly in the environment, or is reused far too often. In this field of tension, Münzer launched a pilot project for the proper collection of used cooking oil—with the aim of protecting both the environment and public health.

This project was supported by Christina Ulrich, India Project Manager at ICS. Münzer has been represented at all domestic ICS events on the topic of India since the ICS India kick-off. The contacts and market information provided by ICS supported the company in its successful preparation.

With the help of these insights, the company will develop a regional pilot project in South India, which is currently about to get underway. The goal: to win an entire region as a customer and thus create a scalable model for other areas.

“The ongoing exchange at ICS with the companies operating in India is stimulating and helpful. Given the size of the market, there are always new challenges and insights that can be discussed at ICS events.”

Walter Sattlberger, Corporate Communications at Münzer

A project with societal leverage
What originally began as a traditional waste management model has changed due to the new requirements in the Indian market: Today, Münzer operates in India as a provider of health- and environment-oriented solutions—an example of how international expansion can also generate societal impact.

Christina Ulrich also sees the project as a flagship example: “With the right contacts, market insights and formats, we were able to help develop a concrete pilot project from an idea. It is particularly exciting that Münzer has transformed from a traditional waste management company into a solution-oriented partner for health and environmental issues in India.”

The company will also continue to regularly participate in ICS events on the topic of India in the future, in order to stay close to the market and prepare further steps in a targeted manner.