The automotive industry is slowly but surely becoming more sustainable and is thinking about producing cars with better mileage figures, engines with longevity, reductions in carbon emissions and is also looking at major improvements to diesel engines. Conventional petro diesel is being replaced by a low sulphur alternative and this is of benefit to those who use, or wish to use biodiesel in their vehicles.

Equipment manufacturers are producing diesel engines and components which are more suitable for both low sulphur diesel and biodiesel. We know that some blends of biodiesel can react with certain types of rubber compounds over time, most especially in older engines, but as better rubber compounds are developed, this problem is becoming less apparent. Indeed, if biodiesel is used in lower blends and not “neat,” any issues appear to be negligible.

Mistakenly, some consumers think that if they use biodiesel they will negate the manufacturer warranty. This is far from the truth as all manufacturers of diesel engine vehicles support the use of biodiesel in their engines. As biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to be certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency, savvy manufacturers are taking note of its potential and embracing its use. Within the automotive industry, senior executives can foresee that regulation is becoming much more likely as politicians react and they know that vehicles will be required with higher performance and greater sustainability.

More than 50% of all vehicles in Europe have diesel engines. This is more than a 10 times higher ratio than found in the USA, but we can see that more manufacturers are now planning to import and produce vehicles with diesel engines in this country as the trend toward smaller and more economical continues.

Within the last 10 years, interest in biodiesel in the US has grown considerably. It is said that more than 700,000,000 gallons are produced per year, comparing to just 1 million back in 1999. Considerable growth can be expected in the future. While there are presently 14 major companies with multimillion dollar manufacturing plants across the country, there are many hundreds of smaller or start-up operations in place.

These days, making biodiesel commercially is a viable proposition and some advocates are moving up from the production of homemade biodiesel by initially supplying other consumers within a locality and gradually expanding a business. Commercial production of biodiesel fuel requires certification by the EPA, while there are certain incentives and grants also available to help.

Those who are maybe sitting on the fence and who are unsure about the adoption of biodiesel as their chosen fuel should recognise the growing trend toward sustainability within our societies. Heavyweight legislation is currently under discussion in Congress and if enacted will force major consumers of energy and emitters of greenhouse gases to cut back considerably. This trend will certainly continue and consumers will demand that companies comply or face action and thus biodiesel fuel is well placed to play its part. If you’re interested in helping the environment, and are looking for a way help others do the same, getting invovled with the production of biodiesel fuel is a great way to start!