As the automotive industry becomes more sustainable and moves toward better fuel mileage efficiencies, longer-lasting engines and a significant reduction in carbon emissions, manufacturers have also been paying attention to improvements in 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 now making diesel engine motors that can accept either biodiesel or low sulfur. While it is true that pure blends of biodiesel can damage certain rubber compounds over a period of time, especially in older diesel engines, this issue is likely to decrease as more stringent rubber compounds are used. If bio diesel is mixed and not used in full strength, such issues appear to be almost non-existent, anyway.

Some consumers believe that should they use biodiesel in their cars they will void the warranty provided by the manufacturer. This is far from the truth as all manufacturers of diesel engine vehicles support the use of biodiesel in their engines. The US Environmental Protection Agency certifies biodiesel as the only alternative fuel so far and manufacturers are sitting up and taking notice of its potential. 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 figure is probably 10 times as great as the ratio in the United States, but more manufacturers are planning to import or to produce diesel engine vehicles, as the inexorable trend toward smaller and more economic vehicles accelerates.

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. Across the country, 14 organisations have multimillion dollar manufacturing operations, but there are hundreds of fledgling and micro operations elsewhere.

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. The US Congress is looking at legislation to force major energy consumers and polluters to cut back considerably. As this trend continues, consumers will increasingly demand that organisations and individuals become more sustainable and show evidence that they are complying; biodiesel fuel is ideally placed to contribute. 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!