ReFeed – Action on Poverty

Investing in Impact

P4G has awarded the partnership about US $380,009 in grants across two funding rounds. 

The aviation industry faces increasing pressure to decarbonize, with the International Air Transport Association aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. ReFeed is tackling this challenge by creating a supply chain for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Vietnam.

Vietnam generates vast amounts of used cooking oil (UCO), much of which is improperly disposed of, causing environmental pollution and CO2 emissions. ReFeed leverages smart technology to collect and recycle used cooking oil, preventing waste while supplying critical feedstock for SAF production. ReFeed’s collection system deploys AI-driven vending machines in schools and residential areas to collect used cooking oil efficiently. A mobile app enhances transparency, tracks contributions and ensures compliance with international sustainability standards. The collected used cooking oil is then sold to biofuel producers.  

During the P4G funding period, the ReFeed – Action on Poverty (AOP) partnership will expand ReFeed’s collection network into major Vietnamese cities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong and Phu Quoc. The partnership will also recruit and train a network of collectors to serve areas beyond machine coverage, including restaurants, hotels and street vendors. ReFeed will enhance its app to better manage collection activities, with the addition of a dedicated B2B interface that enables businesses to track volumes, receive incentives, and access data for sustainability reporting. User-friendly manuals will support adoption across stakeholders, and flexible financial models will accelerate expansion while ensuring affordability and long-term revenue sustainability.

The partnership will also lead awareness building, capacity development and ecosystem engagement to drive behavioral change and long-term impact. Educational programs and extracurricular activities will engage students and communities, while hands-on training and workshops will equip residents and collectors with the skills to effectively use collection systems. Public campaigns, seminars and national-level convenings will elevate understanding of UCO recycling and its role in producing SAF, while also bridging gaps between technical solutions and policy frameworks.

Moreover, rigorous research and institutional strengthening will underpin growth, including impact case studies, ESG assessments and improvement planning, market feasibility analyses, and the standardization of legal and financial documentation to ensure transparency, compliance and investor readiness as ReFeed scales toward its 2030 goals.

To date, Refeed has successfully installed 45 smart vending machines across targeted Vinschools, a K-12 school system in Vietnam, and Vinhomes, the largest commercial real estate developer in Vietnam. Refeed collected more than 16 tons of UCO from these machines located in Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa and Ho Chi Minh City since April 2025. Refeed has also strengthened community awareness and engagement around responsible UCO disposal through several high-impact events. In June 2025, the startup hosted an outreach event at the Vinhomes Ocean Park 1 mango festival, attracting an estimated 150 households.  

Through booths, demonstrations and interactive presentations, residents gained a clearer understanding of the environmental impacts of improper UCO disposal, and the role recycled UCO plays in producing SAF. The event contributed to a measurable increase in community awareness and interest in adopting UCO collection practices. From November to December, in collaboration with Women’s Unions in Ha Noi, Ninh Binh and Hai Phong, ReFeed conducted a series of training sessions to introduce safe collection methods with a digital tracking system, proper storage practices, and raise awareness on the key role women play in advancing the circular economy.

ReFeed and AOP also elevated visibility for their circular economy solutions through active participation in the 2025 P4G Vietnam Summit’s Green Growth Exhibition. Refeed showcased its UCO collection model to policymakers, investors and global partners, positioning it as a market-based solution supporting green transition and sustainable aviation. AOP provided extensive logistical and strategic support, including preparing presentations, exhibition materials and facilitating investor connections, while leveraging the Summit to strengthen ties with international stakeholders.

By 2030, the partnership aims to collect 500 tons of used cooking oil annually, reducing CO2 emissions by 8,400 tons per year and supporting Vietnam’s net-zero commitment.

The partnership comprises the following partners: ReFeed (lead business partner); Action on Poverty (lead administrative partner).