The ROSE Foundation – Protecting the Environment Since 1994
The ROSE Foundation was established in April 1994 after the South African government withdrew support for the used oil re-refining industry. Previously, a lubricant tax subsidised the re-refining of used oil back into lubricating oil. When the subsidy ended, major lubricant companies united to protect the environment, forming the ROSE Foundation to prevent the irresponsible dumping and burning of used lubricating oil.

ROSE’s primary mission is to collect as much used lubricating oil as possible and add value to it in line with the strictest environmental standards. We promote cleaner production practices, prioritising waste reduction and minimisation. Where waste is unavoidable, we focus on recycling or reprocessing used oil into economically valuable products — turning potential waste into a sustainable resource.