A Savusavu-based company committed to reducing carbon footprint has been approved to trade under the Fijian Made-Buy Fijian brand.

FORCE (Fiji Organic Research Centre for Excellence) Pte Limited, operating out of Balaga Bay, is the producer of charcoal from biomass.

Last Friday, the Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Faiyaz Koya, issued the certification to company representative, Dinesh Ram.

Speaking from India, company founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sanjay Vadhera, said being under the brand meant putting Fiji on the map of being a renewable energy producer.

“And also earn foreign exchange for our country,” Mr Vadhera said.

The company produces an estimated 80 metric tons per month of charcoal and at present is selling it to local market.

It gets sources its wood from farmers who deliver it to its site at Balaga Bay.

It is gearing towards exporting to New Zealand, London and Dubai having already secured markets

“FORCE Pte Limited is an overseas investment company producing charcoal situated in Savusavu and built around 2019,” Mr Vadhera said.

“Our Indian company is Planet Conversations International (PCI) Mumbai.”

“Our aim is to create the largest ‘waste to wealth’ project through renewable energy.”

“It is unfortunate I couldn’t travel immediately from India to Savusavu to receive the certificate.”

Mr Koya noted that the company was working towards having a facility that would cater for all varieties  of biomass waste and converting to
green fuel to cater for the growing industry demand.

“Well done to the team at the company for working with local farmers on the production of BBQ charcoal and promoting the use of renewable energy resources,” Mr Koya said.

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