ASTM International is the standards development organization that sets specifications for thousands of consumer products, including fuels like biodiesel. Unlike many other global standards development organizations, ASTM’s decentralized committee system, open forum, and administrative framework allow for anyone interested in a particular area to participate. For biodiesel producers, this means you can be directly involved in setting the standards that govern your industry.

ASTM standards are developed related to the minimum product quality limits, as well as the methodologies used to analyze those products. With committees covering everything from air quality to concrete and plastics, the biodiesel industry participates in Committee D02 for “Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels and Lubricants.”

Committee D02 is ASTM’s largest committee with more than 2,400 members from 65-plus countries, from public- and private-sector interests. Members include petroleum companies; biodiesel producers; auto, truck and engine manufacturers; the military; and general interest companies such as government organizations and laboratory instrument manufacturers. Each individual member has options of participating in subcommittees dealing with products such as gasoline, diesel fuels, jet fuel, LPG, lubricants and hydraulic fluids; or in subcommittees dealing with specific properties such as combustion, elemental analysis, flow properties, and stability and cleanliness.

Being a member of ASTM allows access and input into the ballot items as well as access to the semiannual member meetings for further discussion with industry peers. Becoming involved in the standardization process is the best way to become aware of, and provide input to, potential new limits and test methods for your products. While ASTM plays no role in enforcing any of the limits set forth, the standards become mandatory when cited in regulations or in business contracts. These regulations can have a major impact on the fuel produced at biodiesel facilities across the country.

To join and participate, anyone can enroll at http://www.astm.org/MEMBERSHIP/index.html or contact NBB.