Restaurant Technologies, Chevron REG partner in circular-economy approach to biobased diesel

Restaurant Technologies announced Aug. 11 it is utilizing biofuels from Chevron Renewable Energy Group in its commercial-vehicle fleet. The step is unique because the biofuels come from Restaurant Technologies’ own total oil management business—one which manages millions of gallons of fresh and used cooking oil for major restaurant chains across the U.S. each year.

For more than 10 years, Restaurant Technologies has provided Chevron Renewable Energy Group with used cooking oil, collected from its 34,000-plus customers including quick-service and full-service restaurant chains, independent restaurants, grocers, hotels, casinos, universities and hospitals.

The used oil is utilized as a feedstock to produce biodiesel and renewable diesel. With Restaurant Technologies now using these lower carbon fuels in its own fleet, the two organizations are creating a working circular economy.

“At Restaurant Technologies, our goal has always been to reduce the impact on humans and the environment by better managing cooking oil,” said Jeff Kiesel, president and CEO of Restaurant Technologies. “And as a company focused on sustainability, we are really excited to be able to walk the walk by fueling our own commercial fleet with biofuel created from the used cooking oil we collect.”

Kevin Lucke, president of Chevron Renewable Energy Group, added, “Chevron believes the future of energy is lower carbon. And biobased diesel is a lower-carbon solution for the transportation sector. Our collaboration with Restaurant Technologies to secure renewable feedstocks has been critical to our work for years. Now it’s our turn to help them achieve their sustainability goals through the use of biofuels, with the adoption of our EnDura Fuels™.”

Biodiesel and renewable diesel are lower-carbon alternatives to traditional petroleum diesel that may help fleet operators reduce the lifecycle carbon intensity of their operations. The fuels are traditionally utilized as a blend, either being blended with one another to produce a 100 percent renewable fuel or blended with petroleum diesel. Restaurant Technologies will initially utilize a B30 to B50 blend, 30 to 50 percent InfiniD™ (biodiesel), with the remainder petroleum diesel.

“Restaurant Technologies runs the most effective proprietary closed-loop oil-management system through its extensive network of depots across the United States,” said Tyler Reeder, managing partner at Energy Capital Partners, which acquired Restaurant Technologies earlier this year. Reeder is also a board member at Restaurant Technologies.

“By adopting a process where the company can use biofuel created through its own business model, Restaurant Technologies is setting an example for those who prioritize sustainability as a business practice,” Reeder added.

Chevron Renewable Energy Group is already delivering biofuels to power Restaurant Technologies’ fleet located at the Des Moines, Iowa, depot, with plans to expand to more depot locations across the nation.