The transition to sustainable marine fuels is critical in the global effort to decarbonise shipping. At MASH Makes, we’ve accelerated that transition by developing an advanced biofuel that reduces emissions and actively removes carbon from the atmosphere.  

Recent media coverage has raised concerns about Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL)-based biofuels, particularly their impact on engine performance. Although our biofuel shares some characteristics with CNSL, it is important to note that it is not the same fuel. We utilise cashew press cake—the residue left after CNSL production—and transform it into a reliable, sustainable biofuel that meets the highest industry standards.  We also expect third-party validation to prove that the production process of our fuel is carbon negative.

Below are some frequently asked questions about what sets our biofuel apart from CNSL-based alternatives.

How is MASH Makes Advanced Biofuel different from CNSL-based fuels?

Our biofuel is fundamentally different from CNSL-based fuels and does not share their key challenges. Through our thermochemical process, we alter or neutralise problematic molecules, ensuring a fuel with enhanced stability and performance.  

Other key differences include:

No Emulsion Formation
MASH Makes Advanced Biofuel does not form emulsions with water, ensuring better stability and handling. CNSL, by contrast, tends to emulsify, complicating its use in industrial applications.

Higher Cetane Number
The cetane number of MASH Makes Advanced Biofuel is 26.5, significantly higher than CNSL’s cetane number of 11. According to CIMAC guidelines, a cetane number above 22 is recommended for optimal performance in 4-stroke engines. A higher cetane number means more efficient and reliable ignition.

Corrosion-Free Performance
Tests show that MASH Makes Advanced Biofuel causes no steel corrosion at temperatures of 20°C and 60°C, unlike CNSL, which has demonstrated corrosive effects on steel components.

We have demonstrated these results through rigorous testing under extreme conditions, proving compatibility with marine engines. Our in-house validation setup also replicates real-world shipping infrastructure to guarantee reliability.

Is MASH Makes Advanced Biofuel more sustainable than CNSL-based fuels?

Yes. Unlike CNSL-based fuels, our biofuel has a CO₂-negative impact. Our process generates biochar—a stable form of carbon that remains sequestered in soil for centuries. For every tonne of biochar produced, we remove 2-3 tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere. We expect third-party validation of this soon.  

Beyond climate benefits, biochar enhances soil fertility, improves water retention, and reduces the need for synthetic fertilisers, supporting biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. This makes our biofuel a cleaner alternative and a holistic solution for carbon removal and ecosystem restoration.

What steps does MASH Makes take to ensure fuel reliability?

We implement strict quality control measures, including:

• Testing against ISO 8217 marine fuel standards

• Conducting comprehensive emissions and injector tests

• Developing in-house validation methods to ensure compatibility with purifiers, fuel pumps, injector nozzles, and cylinders

• Ensuring compatibility with conventional marine fuels, including VLSFO and MGO

Why does MASH Makes use cashew press cake as a feedstock?

India, a major cashew-processing country, generates large quantities of cashew press cake as a waste byproduct. Our process transforms this underutilised material into a sustainable fuel, aligning with our mission of resource efficiency and carbon removal.

How scalable is MASH Makes' biofuel production?

Our production model is designed for scalability. In 2023, approximately 2 million tonnes of cashew shells were discarded globally. By converting this waste into biofuel and biochar, we provide an 85-90% greenhouse gas reduction compared to fossil fuels.

Beyond cashew shells, our next-generation gasification technology will be feedstock-agnostic, enabling us to expand biofuel production using a diverse range of biomass residues. We currently operate in India and are expanding into Vietnam to maximise local biomass utilisation.

Learn more about MASH Makes biofuel at www.mashmakes.com/biofuel, or contact us via the form below.

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