Source: Biofuels Center of NC, March 28

Blue Ridge Biofuels (BRB) is the largest manufacturer and distributor of biodiesel in western North Carolina. What started out as a backyard hobby among friends almost a decade ago provides over 300,000 gallons annually of retail and bulk sales of on-road and off-road biodiesel blends. Since forming in January 2005, Blue Ridge Biofuels has displaced over 700,000 gallons of petroleum and distributed over 1.5 million gallons of biodiesel/petroleum blends ranging from B2 to B99. Blue Ridge’s biofuels production improves air quality, boosts the local economy, and increasing the fuel security of the region.

Blue Ridge Biofuels supplies biodiesel and biodiesel blends for all diesel applications. The company supplies eight public pumps in the greater Asheville region, including the first high-blend biodiesel pump on the East Coast. Blue Ridge also sells bulk on-road biodiesel to public and private fleets and off-road biodiesel to construction companies and farms. Utilizing waste oil to produce biodiesel, Blue Ridge produces sustainable, locally-made energy. All the biodiesel produced by Blue Ridge is made in Asheville from used cooking oil collected from over 300 restaurants and kitchens in the western part of the state.

The recipient of numerous grants and awards from state and national agencies, Blue Ridge Biofuels received a loan in 2008 from the Biofuels Center of North Carolina that allowed the company to greatly expand its production capacity and increase the efficiency of its plant in Asheville.

Blue Ridge Biofuels is also a community-driven organization, collaborating on regional green initiatives in both the public and private sectors. The company also works with local green-jobs programs to provide training and experience in biodiesel manufacturing for underserved populations. Blue Ridge Biofuels believes that true sustainability goes beyond locally-produced fuel and means being an active and integral member in the local community.