With increasing pressure to meet emission standards and improve fuel efficiency, understanding and addressing PM is both a responsibility and a business opportunity.
The hidden cost
PM consists of microscopic airborne particles resulting from incomplete combustion, mechanical wear, and various natural and industrial sources. These fine particles negatively impact air quality, contribute to environmental degradation, and cause wear on engines and machinery.
“Road transportation is a major cause of particulate matter,” explains Prof. Tony Granger, Chairman of Eliminox Limited. “It arises not only from the carbon fuel burned and tailpipe emissions but also from brake and tyre wear.”
A strong advocate for clean air policy, Prof. Granger’s company, Eliminox, developed Eliminox Eco™, an award-winning, 100% natural fuel conditioner designed to reduce emissions and improve fuel combustion efficiency across transport, construction, agriculture, and marine.
“Mitigating harmful greenhouse gases is one thing,” Tony says. “Reducing particulate matter is entirely different, but equally important.”
Why fuel distributors should care
Beyond the public health angle, PM emissions directly affect fuel quality, engine performance, and customer satisfaction. Reducing PM:
- Helps meet regulatory standards
- Enhances brand credibility in sustainability
- Reduces wear and tear on engines and equipment
- Minimises customer issues linked to poor combustion
Health and environmental impacts
According to the World Health Organisation, air pollution contributes to 6.7m premature deaths annually, with PM2.5 (particles smaller than 10 micrometres) and PM10 (smaller than 2.5 micrometres and more harmful) being major culprits. These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing:
- Respiratory diseases
- Cardiovascular problems
- Neurological disorders
- Lung and other cancers
Black carbon (soot), a major component of PM2.5, also accelerates climate change by contributing to atmospheric warming and glacier melting.
Primary sources include fuel combustion and industrial activities, while secondary PM forms from atmospheric reactions involving gases like NOx and SOx as well as natural sources such as pet dander, dust mites and mould.
Fuel conditioners: A practical solution
Fuel conditioners such as EliminoxEco can significantly reduce PM emissions by improving combustion efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. Here’s how EliminoxEco achieves this:
- Improved combustion
- Water dispersion: Disperses microscopic water droplets that vaporise and help break fuel into finer particles.
- Increased oxygen contact: Promotes more complete combustion, reducing soot.
- Reduced unburned carbon: Lowers harmful particulate emissions.
- Fuel system cleaning
- Detergent action: Cleans fuel lines, injectors, and filters.
- Deposit removal: Prevents build-up that can hinder combustion efficiency.
- Additional benefits
- Lower emissions: Including NOx, CO2, and PM
- Fuel savings: Up to 8% through more efficient combustion
- Reduced maintenance: Cleaner engines require fewer repairs
Real-world results from Eliminox Eco™
“We’ve seen emissions reduced by up to 97% for PM and 30% for CO2,” says Prof. Grainger. “Fuel efficiency improvements of 5–8% are not uncommon, making the product cost-neutral in many cases.”
Applications across generators, vehicles, and marine engines have shown consistent results, helping clients reduce both environmental impact and operating costs.
A strategic opportunity
Fuel distributors are uniquely positioned to drive change. Offering fuel conditioners not only supports cleaner air but also delivers tangible value to customers.
With regulatory compliance, cost savings, and environmental responsibility all in play, addressing PM emissions is more than good practice – it’s good business.
Image credit: iStock
