What is Biodiesel?
Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a Biodiesel blend. It can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.

How is Biodiesel made?
Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification whereby the glycerin is separated from the fat or vegetable oil. The process leaves behind two products -- methyl esters (the chemical name for Biodiesel) and glycerin (a valuable byproduct usually sold to be used in soaps and other products).

 

Biodiesel is defined as mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats which conform to ASTM D6751 specifications for use in diesel engines. Biodiesel refers to the pure fuel before blending with diesel fuel. Biodiesel blends are denoted as, "BXX" with "XX" representing the percentage of Biodiesel contained in the blend (ie: B20 is 20% Biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel).

This chart also gives a basic overview of our method of making biodiesel fuel.

Why should I use Biodiesel?
Biodiesel is better for the environment because it is made from renewable resources and has lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel. It is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as fast as sugar. Since it is made in the USA from renewable resources such as soybeans, its use decreases our dependence on foreign oil and contributes to our own economy.

More Information


One of the world's leading producers of Biodiesel as well as other industrial plants. They are able to provide the technology, engineering, and construction of the plants.


The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is the national trade association representing the Biodiesel industry as the coordinating body for research and development in the United States.