EU re-approves Bonsucro as a recognised scheme

23rd March 2017

Recognition allows bioethanol producers to show compliance with the Directive on Renewable Energy (EU RED) and access the European market.

Bonsucro is pleased to announce that the European Commission has once again recognised Bonsucro as compliant with the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED), allowing Bonsucro-certified ethanol made from sugarcane to be imported into the European market. The decision was published in the Official Journal of the European Union and came into force this morning.

Bonsucro certification was launched in 2011, and Bonsucro worked with the European Commission to become one of the recognised schemes. The original recognition was valid for five years, and the recognition renewal for a further five years comes after a thorough and comprehensive review process by the European Commission and appointed consultants. Operators looking to export ethanol to Europe choose the Bonsucro EU certification process.

“This is exciting news which will directly benefit Bonsucro’s members’ trading activities. It demonstrates the commitment of Bonsucro to supporting its membership as well as the credibility and recognition of the Bonsucro certification systems”
Nicolas Viart
Director, Standards & Innovation, Bonsucro

The EU RED was instrumental in driving the adoption and demonstration of sustainability performance by sugarcane operators and is still regarded as essential to achieving the EU 2020 strategy on energy consumption reduction.

Over the period of 2015/16, 35 mills achieved Bonsucro EU certification, offering the EU access to 1.8 million m3 of ethanol.