“This is the final piece in the jigsaw,” says Bioenergy Association executive officer Brian Cox. “Commercial customers have been enjoying the benefits of biodiesel for some time. The addition of biodiesel to the Gull forecourt complements their existing provision of bioethanol.”

The announcement from Gull comes at a time when EECA’s initiative on developing biodiesel clusters goes from strength to strength. Queenstown was the first such cluster, closely followed by Marlborough and there are a number in development currently across the country.

Mr Cox noted that there were an increasing number of environmentally conscious tourism focussed organisations who are making a commitment to a cleaner greener fuel.

“Growing the market in New Zealand is all about making the fuels available. The EECA initiative with biodiesel clusters does this to some extent and the individual producers are working are to spread the word also at the commercial level. This step by Gull broadens the market even further and that as the market grows, environmentally conscious motorists throughout New Zealand will be able to benefit.”

Mr Cox says the New Zealand Bioenergy Strategy foresees a potentially significant role for biofuels can be built on New Zealand's  expertise in growing and processing wood-crops and by converting organic by-products to energy. By 2040 biofuels could supply more than 25% of the country's energy needs, including 30% of the country's transport fuels.

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel for diesel trucks, cars, buses and tractors and in New Zealand is made from vegetable oil or tallow as opposed to diesel produced using crude oil. The biodiesel to be used in Gull Diesel Max is manufactured from waste vegetable oil and supplied by Environ Fuels.

Dave Bodger, General Manager of Gull New Zealand, says Gull has been looking to retail biodiesel for quite some time, and today’s launch is another milestone towards Gull’s commitment to becoming more sustainable across all of its fuel range.

“Gull Diesel Max is a five per cent biodiesel blend.  This biodiesel blend will not only reduce carbon emissions, but will also be a cleaner and smoother fuel.  Gull Diesel Max will also come at a reduced price point compared with our competitors’ diesels.

“We are thrilled to be using Environ’s biodiesel, as Environ and Gull are both committed to New Zealand’s environmentally sustainable future.  We can all play a part in helping create a better environment by using these fuel alternatives,” says Bodger.

Michelle McCaughey, General Manager of Environ Fuels, says Environ already supplies sustainable biodiesel to a number of the tourism sector’s marine vessels, buses and other vehicles. She says the company is New Zealand’s leading producer of biofuel, manufacturing only from sustainable and ethical products, producing only high quality, certified vegetable based biodiesel that meets or exceeds the New Zealand Engine Fuel Regulations 2008 as well as EN14214 and ASTM standards.

Environ’s products are made available for sale to commercial customers throughout New Zealand in blends from B20 (20% biodiesel) to B100 (100% biodiesel).   For more information please visit www.environfuels.com