| ABSTRACT |
The improper disposal of waste cooking oil (WCO) is a severe environmental challenge in Malaysia, with an estimated of the 500,000 tonnes generated annually polluting drainage systems and landfills. Simultaneously, conventional art supplies rely heavily on unsustainable, petroleum-derived paraffin wax that resists decomposition. CrayOilİ addresses both issues as an innovative, 100% non-toxic crayon formulated entirely from upcycled WCO, natural beeswax, and plant-based pigments. Aligning directly with advisory input from Bahagian Kerajaan Tempatan, Pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Perlis, this project transforms WCO into high-quality educational supplies, replacing paraffin alternatives through a scalable, zero-waste manufacturing process. The methodology involves rigorously filtering and naturally deodorizing WCO and thermally blending it with natural beeswax for structural durability and smooth application. Vibrant, safe coloration is achieved by incorporating lipophilic organic and plant-based pigment (such as turmeric, coffee grounds, matcha, and roselle). The final product is efficiently mass-produced using CAD-designed, 3D-printed reusable molds. Commercially, CrayOilİ benefits from exceptionally high profit margins by sourcing its primary raw material at near-zero cost, leveraging a disposal liability for restaurants. Highlighting the strong market viability of this product, 88% of surveyed consumers expressed interest in eco-friendly art supplies. In collaboration with SWCorp Negeri Perlis and Environment Idaman Sdn Bhd, this initiative establishes a closed-loop framework for the commercial food sector, promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12 by engineering hazardous kitchen waste into a profitable, functional tool for artistic expression.
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