The roots of Renewable Energy Group go back more than two decades to when we operated under the umbrella of West Central Cooperative in Ralston, Iowa. Our history parallels that of the biodiesel industry as a whole: When we made our first batch of biodiesel in 1996, the industry was still in its early stages, a niche market with a potential few foresaw. While our leaders grew the company carefully and consistently by finding opportunity within challenges, they also advocated for the biodiesel industry as a whole, often working with competitors for the greater good. Today, REG is the largest biodiesel producer by volume in the United States — as well as a producer and supplier of many other products — and continues to contribute resources and leadership to biofuel advocacy groups worldwide.
To learn how an idea born of necessity in rural Iowa traveled a sometimes-rocky road on its way to becoming the number one producer of biodiesel in the U.S., read an online version of our company history book, "Enabling a Cleaner World: The History of Renewable Energy Group, 1995-2015."
REG can trace its roots back more than two decades, when we operated under the umbrella of West Central Cooperative in Iowa. We grew along with the fledgling biodiesel industry, and in August 2006, Renewable Energy Group, Inc., was formed as an independent corporation. Now we’re North America’s largest producer of biodiesel and a global company.
A lot has changed in the 20-plus years of our company's history, but the pioneering spirit of REG has remained the same. By taking the long view, investing in the future of our company and industry, taking calculated risks, and continuously improving everything from refining processes to logistics to research and development, REG has become the driving force to move fuel forward to a more sustainable future.