This is such a common question that I think we’ll come back to it to expand the answer several times.

So what accounts for quality in a biodiesel blend? Among other things, such as the quality of the vegetable oil used (soybean oil is better than waste veggie oil) and processing methods, one of the key indicators of fuel quality is the fuel meeting or exceeding the ASTM specification.

ASTM sets specifications for a product to meet at a minimum in order to be considered “reliable”. These standards make it possible for consumers of the product to know they are getting a product that will have a consistent level of performance. ASTM recently published new specifications for biodiesel (http://www.astm.org/SNEWS/ND_2008/D02E0_nd08.html).

Blue Sun has made a business of exceeding these minimums for biodiesel since its inception in 2001. Why? Because ASTM represents a minimum level. Are you satisfied with the minimum? Neither are we. We enjoy figuring out how to take biodiesel to the next level.

For example, a B20 (20% biodiesel) blend that only meets ASTM specs keeps your engine running in cold temperatures down to maybe zero to 10 degrees below (Fahrenheit). Blue Sun crafts its fuel to get down to 20 below and lower. Blue Sun’s “Fusion” B20 fuel meets this more stringent specification developed by Blue Sun.

The fact that the guys behind this feat are skiers, and spend much of their time in Colorado’s mountains, may or may not have been the catalyst behind better cold weather performance. Either way, like anyone operating in the cold, they’re pretty happy to not have to worry about their fuel.

For more – check out Blue Sun’s web site, under “News” for a story called “Blue Sun Biodiesel 3 Years Ahead of ASTM Standards”. Here’s a direct link: http://www.gobluesun.com/main/news/biodieselnewsstory.php?news_id=102