Everpure Biodiesel Coop is acting in partnership with Zuraw Technologies to open a new Biodiesel production facility in Acton.

The open house will be today (Thursday) at 125 McDonald Blvd. in Acton.

There will be a tour of the new production facility and speeches from MP Michael Chong and Mayor Rick Bonnette.

Originally, Everpure supplied drivers with biodiesel that was purchased from outside the region.

With their partnership with Zuraw and the new model they have moved into they now collect waste vegetable oil from restaurants in the area and process it in their own facility.

Everpure Biodiesel Coop originally started in Erin and began selling to members on July 5, 2008. It is a self-sustaining recycling loop. Farmers who are members of the co-op grow edible oil crops. The oil from these crops is used in local restaurants. The used oil is then collected and manufacture into biodiesel, which is then, sold to power vehicles for farmers or other community needs.

“The Everpure Co-op is in its third season of operation, and has over 75 members from around the region — from Guelph to Georgetown to Orangeville,” said Phil Mount with Everpure Biodiesel co-op.

Jay Mowatt, a local farmer and board member at the Everdale Environment Learning Center, is the man with the idea behind the co-op.

A locally based biodiesel co-op is financially and environmentally beneficial to farmers and the local community.

Biodiesel is biodegradable, non-toxic and has a pleasant french-fry smell as it is emitted from your tailpipe.

Having a local co-op and involving local farmers and restaurants in this recycling loop is an efficient and environmentally sustainable manner of producing and using biodiesel.

“Zuraw Technologies has recently started production of biodiesel using 100% recycled vegetable oil collected by the Everpure Biodiesel Co-op, as part of its ‘Local Sustainable Communities’ initiative,” said Mr. Mount.

“The used oil currently comes from a dozen restaurants in the region, but more are joining the Co-op’s pilot project every day.”

According to Mr. Mount, Zuraw technologies expects to expand its production capacity within the next year from 500 to 5,000 litres per week.

This new partnership is acting to produce biodiesel to meet regional demands.

Everpure Co-op has more than 75 members from around the region – from Guelph to Georgetown to Orangeville. This new factory will generate green jobs in the area and supply regional businesses, drivers and farmers with sustainable fuel while keeping revenue circulating in the local economy.