Every convenience store and truck stop — and their customers — wants the best fuel for the best price. When it comes to biodiesel, how do you find that? How about the best producer? The best supplier? The best quality? Here’s a guide to help you find the best biodiesel.
What is the best way to produce biodiesel?
The key to producing exceptional biodiesel is having state-of-the-art production facilities, skilled and experienced staff, and the ability to use a variety of feedstocks. That last item is known as feedstock flexibility. Why is it so important? Feedstock flexibility offers a variety of benefits:
- Predictable pricing and availability: When prices rise or supply runs low on a certain feedstock, a multi-feedstock refinery can more easily switch to an alternative material without negatively impacting the finished product.
- The best feedstock properties: High-tech producers can combine various feedstocks to capture the best properties from each and create the perfect “recipe” for a fuel with the specifications customers want.
- Lower carbon-intensity scores: Feedstock flexibility also allows producers to use feedstocks with lower carbon intensity. Lower carbon intensity means it is better for the environment.
How can I find the best biodiesel supplier?
Look for a supplier that provides a full range of products, including biodiesel blends, B100 and ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD). Also take into account how they move product — via truck, rail, ship, barge, etc. — and the extent of their terminal network.
Whether you intend to use your current supplier or are looking for a new one, here are some biodiesel-related questions to ask:
- How long have they been producing and/or marketing biodiesel?
- Does the biodiesel producer take part in the biodiesel industry’s BQ-9000 quality assurance accreditation program?
- Can they provide a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) with each load?
- Does the biodiesel producer meet ASTM D6751 specifications?
Don’t forget value-added support that goes beyond the sales team. That includes logistics and supply chain management, as well as regulatory expertise and technical support.
What are the best biodiesel benefits for convenience stores?
There are several reasons biodiesel is growing in usage and demand. C-stores could enjoy these benefits right away:
- Price — Biodiesel often costs less than petroleum diesel.
- Sustainability — Biodiesel’s cleaner burn helps you and your customers meet emissions reduction goals.
- Ease of use – Biodiesel requires little or no infrastructure change at your locations, and your customers can run biodiesel blends in their vehicles as is.
Get the best
Interested in getting the best biodiesel so you and your customers can take advantage of its benefits? Feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Troy Shoen is Senior Manager, Marketing, at REG, a biodiesel and renewable diesel producer. He can be reached at [email protected].