Take a Deep Dive

Mission: To develop the best solutions to help restaurant owners and managers take care of liquid waste in the cleanest, most efficient way possible.

Solution: PumpFree Energy collects and cleans oil from water and services grease traps from commercial kitchens. This waste oil is then turned into biofuel, a renewable source of energy. PumpFree uses a sorbent that absorbs oil and reduces pollution, while leaving water behind. Through this process, PumpFree reduces the amounts of Fats, Oils and Greases (FOG) from entering our waterways and oceans by 75%. This innovative solution supports a circular economy by turning waste into a resource and by reducing pollution.

How does the ocean inspire you? "I trained to become a scuba diver in a freezing swimming pool in a city at 2,800mt above the ocean. 6 months later, I had my very first ocean dive. The water was crystalline, warm, clean, full of little and colourful live forms playing within the sunrays reaching the first 5-10mts into this new world (to me). It was the Caribbean. I felt in love with the ocean. The second day, I pushed for a night dive and they took me in. I got seasick on the boat so I was the first one in the water. Alone, all dark, 2 meters under, it was exciting. I tentatively moved my hands and the bioluminescence played along and created these magical fairy-like dancing shapes around me. I was mesmerized. I loved it all even more. The night life proved to be so different and equally beautiful and… fragile. I felt responsible for its diversity. Rule #1: do not touch anything, learn to share its beauty, and enjoy it without leaving a trace of my presence. Wow, as a human, I had the capability to destroy ocean life with a touch. So much power to endanger and kill. I felt afraid of my capability to negatively impact the ocean. Then, as with all themes that fascinate me, I studied the ocean and its interactions with human life. I learned that its currents define the weather, that its smallest life elements kick off nurturing cycles that end up impacting (mostly beneficially) everyone in the planet. I also became aware that every human in the planet can impact (mostly negatively) the ocean. I felt impotent. When I finally came to Australia, I promised myself I would do my best to always live near the ocean, to care for it, to respectfully enjoy it and to protect it. When I found about PumpFree Energy’s purpose, to clean the water going to sewerage from FOG and SS, so that these would not end up in the ocean, I decided it was time to feel empowered and do something with a measurable impact, to play a role where I could make it better, bigger and where I could inspire others to support us and be part of movements where people join forces and achieve changes for the better. And that is what keeps me going, that we are actually making it real. We only have one Blue Planet, and it is gorgeous. PumpFree Energy and our people are inspired by the Ocean." - Claudia Galvis, Chief Process Officer