How Diesel Engine Remanufacturing and Renewable Biofuels Drive a Circular Economy

by Allen Schaeffer (Diesel Technology Forum) Through established remanufacturing and rebuilding practices, as well as the expanding use of renewable biodiesel fuels, diesel technology is well established in the circular economy

With a growing emphasis on protecting our climate and better managing our limited resources, it is more important than ever to design effective products and systems that reduce resource use, can be reused, and are recyclable. It’s the foundation of the circular economy, where product design is done with the end in mind. Design and manufacturing of diesel engines and renewable biofuels produced from waste products are two key aspects of how diesel technology contributes to the circular economy.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a circular economy, as defined in the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, refers to an economy that uses a systems-focused approach and involves industrial processes and economic activities that are restorative or regenerative by design, enable resources used in such processes and activities to maintain their highest value for as long as possible, and aim for the elimination of waste through the superior design of materials, products, and systems (including business models). It is a change to the model in which resources are mined, made into products, and then become waste. A circular economy reduces material use, redesigns materials to be less resource intensive, and recaptures “waste” as a resource to manufacture new materials and products.

Diesel Engines Are Designed for Long Useful Lives and Rebuilding

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Rebuilding generally takes place when oil consumption increases and fuel economy decreases. During the course of the engine’s life, multiple rebuilds are anticipated, with complete parts and service kits readily available that will restore the engine back to its original design performance.

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Renewable and biodiesel fuels are produced from waste products. Another facet of diesel engines in a sustainable and circular economy is the use of renewable and biodiesel fuels. In 2021, about 3.2 billion gallons of biodiesel fuels (biodiesel and renewable diesel) were produced in the US. Made primarily from a byproduct of soybean processing (oil), food waste and animal fats, renewable biodiesel fuels utilize these waste and processing byproducts and turn them into useable fuel. This reduces demand for petroleum-based diesel, while offering important emissions benefits in the form of up to 86% lower greenhouse gas and other emissions.

According to the Energy Information Administration, in March 2022, 527 million pounds of waste feedstocks (oils, greases, etc.) were consumed to produce biofuels, along with 988 million pounds of soybean oil used to produce biodiesel fuel.

Through established remanufacturing and rebuilding practices, as well as the expanding use of renewable biodiesel fuels, diesel technology is well established in the circular economy.

FPT Industrial Reman Graphic

(Image courtesy of FPT Industrial: Original Reman)

Advanced BioFuels USA