Ethanol
Sugarcane ethanol is on the rise
A versatile ingredient, sugarcane ethanol is used in many sectors.
Producers and buyers are under growing scrutiny for environmental and social challenges in the sugarcane sector, including water exploitation, habitat loss, soil degradation, poor working conditions, and low wages. The sector is also increasingly impacted by climate change, which threatens production, yields and livelihoods.
Bonsucro certification sets the bar for responsible production and sourcing, significantly reducing risks in the sugarcane supply chain. It helps sugarcane ethanol producers and buyers accelerate their sustainability journey and make a difference for people and nature.
Impact of Bonsucro certification
Our data shows that Bonsucro certified producers deliver environmental and social benefits:
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
Certified mills reduce land management GHG emissions by 17% after five years of certification.
Lower use of water
Certified mills reduce water use by 41% on average after 5 years of certification.
Lower use of fertilisers
Producers reduce their fertiliser use by 11% on average after 5 years of certification.
Land and biodiversity conservation
The Bonsucro Standard includes a zero-deforestation policy for legally protected forests and states that no land included in certification can be converted from a natural ecosystem into farmland.
Safer working conditions
Certified operators and workers experience a significant fall in accidents, with average reductions of 30% in mills and 20% in farms over five years of certification.
Higher wages
Certified farms pay 19% above the national minimum wage.
Benefits for mills
- Increase efficiency and yields
- Access new ways to measure your performance
- Provide verified sustainability credentials to buyers
- Gain better market access
- Create a safer working environment
Benefits for buyers
- Better understand and address the risks in your supply chain
- Enhance your reputation
- Meet your responsible sourcing targets
- Make on-product claims
- Get ahead of your competitors
Bonsucro certified ethanol is available
3.8 million
m3 of Bonsucro certified ethanol produced in 2021
+420%
certified volumes between 2011 and 2021
20
countries across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Middle-East
Companies worldwide produce and buy Bonsucro certified ethanol:
"Being certified by Bonsucro will bring us benefits since important clients have the same commitment and our relationships add value to both."
Humberto Romero Valencia
General Manager at Alcoholera de Zapopan
Complying with the EU Renewable Energy Directive
Bonsucro certification is aligned with the EU Renewable Energy Directive (EU RED and EU RED II). The Bonsucro EU-RED scheme was first recognised by the European Commission in 2012 and allows Bonsucro-certified biofuels and biomass made from sugarcane to be imported into the European market. The Bonsucro EU-RED Standard is an optional add-on and applies globally.
Start your sustainable ethanol journey
Join the global movement to accelerate the sustainable production and uses of sugarcane.
If you’d like to chat with a member of our team, email us at standards@bonsucro.com.
Trading certified ethanol made easy on the Credit Trading Platform
The Bonsucro Credit Trading Platform offers a straightforward way to sell and buy certified sustainable ethanol credits and make an impact on the ground.
Credits help overcome the multiple market barriers in trading and reward the producers who have invested in sustainable practices.
