Biofuels Supply and Trading

 

Targray’s Biofuels supply business is an international leader in the sourcing, transportation, storage, trading and distribution of biodiesel, renewable diesel and renewable fuel feedstock.

Supported by our vast network of managed rail cars and terminals, we create biofuel energy solutions to meet the growing global demand for low carbon transportation fuels. Our fuel programs help retailers, distributors, traders and refineries become more profitable while creating a more sustainable economy for future generations.

Green Marine Partner

Our Solutions

Targray Shipping Vassel

International Exports

Our international supply agreements with manufacturers enable us to deliver global procurement efficiencies for customers.

Targray International Exports

Turnkey Supply Solutions

We combine our biodiesel supply capabilities and compliance expertise to create turnkey blending solutions for distributors and retailers.

Targray Biofuel Trading

Biofuels Trading

We procure fuel from the lowest-cost producers and efficiently move it to retailers and truck stops in under-served markets.

feedstock marketing

Feedstock Marketing

Key distribution agreements with feedstock suppliers enable us to effectively meet the raw material requirements of biofuel producers.

U.S. Biodiesel Distribution Map

U.S. Distribution

We operate one of the largest and fastest-growing renewable fuel supply and distribution networks in the United States.

Targray EU Distribution

EU Distribution

Our Geneva-based trading business creates innovative supply solutions for EU commodity traders, brokers, distributors, and fuel retailers.

About our Biofuels Business

Targray’s renewable fuels business is one of the largest and fastest-growing international suppliers of bio-based fuel and feedstock materials.

With over 30 years of experience in international trade and wholesale distribution, we are well-positioned to support the biofuel requirements of industry participants across the supply chain.

How are Biofuels Made?

Ethanol is an alcohol, the same found in beer and wine. It is made by fermenting any biomass high in carbohydrates through a process similar to brewing beer. Ethanol is mostly used as a fuel additive to cut down a vehicle’s carbon monoxide and other smog-causing emissions. But flexible-fuel vehicles, which run on gasoline and up to 85% ethanol, are widely available in the U.S. and elsewhere.

Pure biodiesel is made by combining alcohol with vegetable oil, animal fat, or recycled cooking greases. It can be used as an additive, or in its pure form as a 100% renewable alternative for diesel engines.

Other bio-based fuels include methanol and reformulated gasoline components. Methanol, commonly called wood alcohol, is currently produced from natural gas. However, it can also be produced from biomass. There are a number of ways to convert biomass to methanol, but the most common approach is called gasification. With gasification, the biomass is vaporized at high temperatures and impurities are removed. The biomass then passes through a catalyst and is converted into methanol.

These renewable fuels, including ethanol, pure biodiesel, and methanol, offer environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability in the transportation and energy sectors.

Is Biofuel Renewable?

In contrast to fossil fuels, the source biomatter of advanced biofuels can regrow quickly. As a result, bio-based fuels (like ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, and biogas) can be classified as a renewable.

Unlike other renewable sources, biomass can be converted directly into liquid bio-based fuels to help meet transportation fuel needs.

What is Biofuel?

Biofuel is a fuel produced from organic material like plant materials, vegetable oil, animal fat, and cellulosic biomass.

Depending on the feedstock used, biofuel may qualify as carbon-neutral. This is achieved when the carbon dioxide absorbed by the plants equals the CO2 released when the fuel combusts.

Common Biofuel Types

Biodiesel

Biodiesel is produced from oils or fats using transesterification. The resulting liquid is similar in composition to fossil and mineral diesel. Consisting mostly of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), biodiesel is the most common biofuel in Europe. Its feedstocks include animal fats, vegetable oils, soy, rapeseed, jatropha, mustard, flax, sunflower, palm oil, hemp and algae.

Pure biodiesel (B100) currently reduces emissions by up to 60% compared to diesel. It can be used in any diesel engine when mixed with petroleum diesel. In fact, it is technically possible to run a diesel engine on pure biodiesel B100. However, biodiesel is most commonly blended with petroleum diesel (B5, B20, etc.) to avoid “gelling” in cold weather environments.

 

Ethanol

Ethanol fuel is the most common biofuel worldwide. It is produced by fermentation of sugars derived from wheat, corn, sugar beets, sugar cane, molasses and any sugar or starch from which alcoholic beverages can be made. The ethanol production methods used are enzyme digestion, fermentation of the sugars, distillation and drying.

Ethanol can be mixed with gasoline to any percentage for use in petrol engines. Indeed, most modern petrol engines can run on blends of up to 15% ethanol with petroleum gasoline.

 

Solid Biomass

Firewood is the most conventional and ancient biofuel, and the most commonly used solid biomass fuel. It is still used in many parts of the world for both domestic (cooking, home heating) and industrial (thermal power plants, industrial boilers) purposes. Solid biomass comes in less convenient forms than liquid fuels. These include sawdust, wood chips, grass, waste wood and agricultural residues.

Solid biomass will typically undergo densification prior to being used for commercial purposes. The predominant densification processes used today yield wood pellets, cubes, or pucks. The pellet process is most common in Europe, and is typically carried out on a pure wood product, providing an essential source of renewable fuel.

 

Biogas

Biogas refers to a mixture of different gases produced by the breakdown of organic matter. The breakdown process, which entails depriving the organics of oxygen, is called anaerobic digestion. Biogas can be produced from raw materials such as agricultural waste, plant material, sewage or food waste, making it a valuable renewable fuel source. It is suitable for use as a fuel, burning easily without producing much pollution.

Renewable Fuel Supply Programs for Retailers and Distributors

Our sourcing network is supported by a managed rail fleet that supplies fuel from locations throughout North America and Europe.

As a registered member of the EPA, CARB, and ISCC, we understand the complexities of the sustainable fuel market and use that knowledge to serve you better. Our innovative turnkey programs help businesses of all sizes meet compliance requirements without compromising their operational efficiency.

Latest News

Targray Expands European Presence with Trading Desk in Rotterdam

ROTTERDAM – Targray, a global leader in the supply of environmental commodities, renewable fuels, and other renewable energy solutions, has announced today the opening of its newest office in Rotterdam, Netherlands. This strategic expansion marks a significant...

Targray Appoints Jelle Jongbloed to Lead Environmental Commodities Division

Rotterdam, Netherlands – Targray has appointed Jelle Jongbloed as its Global Head of Environmental Commodities. Equipped with a Master of Arts degree in Geopolitics and Global Economics from the University College Dublin, Jelle brings a wealth of experience to the...

Targray Appoints Erik Rietkerk to Executive Leadership Team

Geneva, Switzerland – Targray has announced the addition of Erik Rietkerk to its Executive Leadership Team, where he will act as the Global Head of Agricommodities and Co-Head of Biofuels & Feedstock. With a commodity trading career spanning over 30 years, Erik...

Targray Joins Green Marine to Advance Adoption of Sustainable Marine Fuels

Targray, a global leader in the supply of renewable fuels, feedstock, and supply chain solutions, is proud to announce its new partner membership within Green Marine, a renowned voluntary environmental certification program for the North American and European maritime...

Targray Opens New Biodiesel terminal in Spokane, Washington

Targray, a leading international supplier of renewable fuels and feedstock, has announced an expansion of its vast North American supply and distribution network today with the opening of a new biodiesel terminal in the state of Washington. Located in Mead, an...

Targray Opens New Biodiesel Terminals in Oregon, United States

Targray, a leading international supplier of renewable fuels and feedstock, has announced the opening of two new biodiesel fuel terminals in Oregon. Located in Portland and Eugene respectively, the new terminals are strategically positioned to ease supply concerns for...

Targray Highlights Sustainability and Growth in Corporate Rebrand

Montreal, Canada – Targray has unveiled a new branding to reflect the company's emerging position as a leading global provider of sustainable commodities. The new branding, which includes a re-imagined logo and refreshed visual brand identity, is a testament to...

Targray Launches Environmental Commodities Trading Desk

Targray, a leading global provider of sustainable commodities and supply chain solutions, has announced the launch of its international Environmental Commodities trading desk. Operating jointly out of the company’s North American and European business centers, the new...

Targray Unveils New Solar Roof at Global HQ

Montreal, Canada – Targray has outfitted the rooftop of its corporate headquarters with a cutting-edge 242-module photovoltaic (PV) system. Located in the West Island of Montreal, the new installation is expected to produce 130,000 kWh annually. The 107-kilowatt...

Feedstock Traders Converge at AFOA Annual Meeting

Montreal, Canada – Targray Feedstock traders are set to attend the 2022 AFOA Annual Meeting from October 12-13, 2022, alongside hundreds of industry leaders from across the animal fats & oils sector. Hosted by the American Oils and Fats Association (AFOA), this...

Targray Attends Pulse and Special Crops Convention

Montreal, Canada – Targray is attending the annual Pulse and Special Crops Convention (PSCC) hosted by the Canadian Special Crops Association (CSCA), a non-profit alliance of over 100 processors, exporters and service providers engaged in the production and trade of...

Felismina De Oliveira Named COO of Targray

Montreal, Canada – Targray has announced Felismina (Mina) De Oliveira as its Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the latest member of its Senior Management Team. As COO, Mina will be responsible for Targray’s 24/7 intermodal shipping operations and supply chain...