Renewable Energy Group announced Wednesday, Aug. 29, that it was awarded BQ-9000 Certified Marketer status from the National Biodiesel Accreditation Committee, an affiliate of the National Biodiesel Board.
The voluntary BQ-9000 program couples universally accepted quality management systems with the biodiesel product specification ASTM D-6751. The program covers storage, sampling, testing, blending, shipping, distribution and fuel management practices to help ensure quality biodiesel throughout the supply chain.
REG is only the third company in the United States to earn both the BQ-9000 Accredited Producer and Certified Marketer status, according to the NBAC. REG is the largest company to be given the industry’s two most important stamps of approval.
“With the addition of the BQ-9000 Certified Marketer status, REG can provide added confidence to our customers through our extensive biodiesel handling, storage, transportation and testing methods,” says Jeff Stroburg, chief executive officer of Ralston, Iowa-based REG. “Last year, REG marketed 27 percent of all biodiesel sold in the U.S. We want to ensure that every gallon of high-quality biodiesel that leaves one of our production facilities is handled properly all the way to the fuel tank of a school bus, commercial truck, tractor or diesel vehicle.”
According to REG, customer confidence in biodiesel quality is increasingly important in today’s marketplace, as Oregon, Minnesota, Louisiana, New Mexico and Washington have enacted mandates requiring the use of biodiesel blends in petroleum diesel. In addition, several engine and vehicle manufacturers, including Cummins and Case IH, recommend using biodiesel blends from producers and marketers participating in the BQ-9000 program.
“As political leaders from both parties, equipment manufacturers and environmentalists tout the power of renewable fuels for the future of our nation, we are proud to be taking another step toward ensuring quality biodiesel is available for end users nationwide,” says Nile Ramsbottom, REG president.
