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Fat chance for drain gain |
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Written by Business Weekly
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Wednesday, 11 December 2002 |
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A new Essex company has brushed aside thoughts of minimum pay legislation to hire a revolutionary workforce, labouring for food-only wages.
Environmental Biotech UK, launched by the group's US parent, has recruited billions of tiny workers micro-organisms or vegetative bacteria that feed on the fat, sugar, and gelatine wastes clogging drain lines and sewer pipes. The process is known as bioremediation. The company, which only began operating in September, has already won several significant contracts including a major food processor in North London, hotels in Hertfordshire and London, various restaurants and nightclubs and even a Nationwide football league club. It is also in negotiations with one of the UK's leading supermarket chains. Spokesman Aziz Tejpar, said: 'Environmental Biotech Inc, our US parent company, is the world's leader in treating fat and gelatine-laden sewers and drain lines. With business partners in nine other countries, the launch of Environmental Biotech UK in Chelmsford is the latest addition to the company's eco-friendly service.' The problem associated with fat-clogged drains and sewers costs UK industry millions every year. Thames Water has estimated that currently over 100 tonnes of fat are poured down the capital's sinks every day. And it's not just restaurants and cafes that are the culprits, but ordinary householders. Thames Water clears more than 100,000 blockages from sewers on a yearly basis and believes over half are caused by solidified fat. The company also battles with clogged drains in hospitals due to gelatine deposits from X-ray departments. |
