Recycle Week is a celebration of recycling across the UK as well as a time to raise awareness about recycling. At GGR Group, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and supporting our customers with sustainable lifting solutions. From expanding our electric fleet to introducing HVO fuel to our depots, we are helping recycling centres, councils, and businesses make greener choices that deliver long-term results.

What is HVO Fuel?

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a renewable diesel alternative produced from sustainable raw materials such as used cooking oils, vegetable oils, and waste animal fats. These feedstocks are treated with hydrogen in a process called hydrotreatment, which removes impurities and creates a high-quality, stable, and clean-burning paraffinic diesel.

Unlike biodiesel, HVO is not fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) based, which means it avoids many of the storage and performance issues associated with traditional biodiesel. The result is a fuel that can be used as a direct replacement for diesel in existing engines, without the need for modifications.

The Benefits of HVO Fuel

Switching to HVO fuel comes with many benefits across both operational and environmental aspects. Its longer shelf life, stability in extreme temperatures, and reduced susceptibility to diesel bug reduce waste, minimise fuel losses, and ensure dependable performance year-round. Because it burns cleaner than mineral diesel, engines experience less wear and fewer deposits, which lowers maintenance costs and keeps machinery running for longer.

HVO is also biodegradable, so breaks down naturally, and insoluble in water, meaning it is less likely to spread and contaminate aquatic life, making it safer for use near water sources and in sensitive environments. Furthermore, its full compatibility with existing engines and infrastructure means businesses can adopt it without costly modifications or downtime.

Most importantly, HVO significantly reduces harmful emissions. Compared to mineral diesel, it can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 percent, particulates by up to 85 percent, and nitrogen oxides by up to 30 percent. These reductions help businesses make measurable progress towards Net Zero while enhancing their reputation as sustainable, forward-thinking industry leaders.

Why HVO Fuel Matters During Recycle Week

Recycle Week is not just about household recycling; it is also about making sustainable choices across every aspect of operations. By adopting eco-friendly fuels such as HVO, organisations can demonstrate real progress towards their Net Zero commitments. For industries that rely on heavy machinery—from recycling centres and local councils to construction sites and major infrastructure projects—switching to HVO fuel provides a practical way to cut emissions without compromising performance.

By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, organisations can operate more sustainably while keeping up with demanding workloads. HVO offers an immediate solution that supports wider environmental strategies and helps businesses across multiple sectors make real progress towards their Net Zero commitments.

GGR Group’s Commitment to Sustainable Lifting

As the UK’s number one provider of lifting solutions, GGR Group is leading the way in sustainable innovation. Already, 89 percent of our fleet is electric/battery-powered or manual, and we are expanding our use of electric and HVO-powered machinery. Alongside maintaining FORS Gold compliance, we are making our depots more sustainable and ensuring our teams are trained to support customers with the best eco-friendly machinery available.

Join the organisations already making the switch and take the next step towards Net Zero with GGR Group.