ReFeed is a prime example of the fusion between technology and sustainable development goals in the context of Vietnam’s energy transition. Originating from a simple yet practical idea—collecting and reusing used cooking oil (UCO)—ReFeed has not only developed an effective technological solution to reduce environmental pollution but also paved the way for a new approach to producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a field receiving global priority in the decarbonization of the transportation sector.
Addressing the practical issue of large volumes of discarded cooking oil in residential areas, schools, and food establishments—often dumped directly into sewers or general waste—ReFeed has developed a UCO collection model that can be rapidly deployed in urban areas across Vietnam. At the core of this model is a network of smart collection machines placed at high-waste generation points, integrated with a user-friendly mobile application. Through the app, residents can track the entire process of their discarded oil, from drop-off to final treatment. This transparency not only fosters trust but also encourages active community participation.
Unlike traditional collection models that rely on manual processes or complex logistics systems, ReFeed‘s technology is designed to simplify the user experience and optimize operational costs. In addition to the physical automated collection stations, the ReFeed app functions as a data hub, enabling seamless information synchronization among users, operational teams, and downstream processing partners. This distinguishes it from smaller-scale UCO collection models that often lack data connectivity or scalability.
ReFeed’s solution tackles multiple challenges simultaneously: reducing water pollution caused by waste oil, decreasing hard-to-process urban waste, and more importantly, generating a raw material source for SAF production. According to innovation support organizations, SAF is a key solution for reducing CO₂ emissions in the aviation industry, and UCO is one of the few feedstocks that can be effectively converted into this type of fuel with current technologies.
Beyond its technological aspect, ReFeed‘s model delivers notable social impact. The startup actively creates jobs for vulnerable groups such as women, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities through roles in operations, technical support, and logistics. This integration of environmental and social factors into its business model demonstrates how the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) approach is being effectively applied by the startup.
ReFeed has received significant recognition within the green startup ecosystem. At the P4G Vietnam Summit 2025, the startup showcased its UCO collection model at the startup exhibition area, drawing attention from numerous international development organizations and investors. The goal is to expand collaboration with both domestic and international partners, including airlines, biofuel research institutions, and impact investment funds.
The journey of ReFeed illustrates that technology does not need to be overly complex to generate meaningful impact. What matters is a deep understanding of societal issues and the ability to design solutions that are both accessible and integrable into emerging value chains like SAF. For other founders, this serves as a reminder that innovation lies not only in core technologies but also in how those technologies are implemented, connected with communities, and scaled through strategic partnership networks.
As Vietnam accelerates its green transition and moves toward a circular economy, models like ReFeed serve as a vital bridge between grassroots initiatives and future energy supply chains. This startup offers not only a technological product but also an integrated approach—from individual behavior to macro-level policy, from localized data collection to the global clean fuel ecosystem.
