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Global leaders are searching for clean, renewable options to provide energy and reduce petroleum use. Sugarcane has emerged as an important alternative for meeting those needs. This powerful plant is grown in more than 100 countries and holds the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, diversify energy supplies and create jobs.
Our virtual tour will guide you through the stages of cultivation, harvesting and production.
Watch our brief video to learn more about this remarkable plant.
Timeline shows the successful story of the Brazilian sugarcane sector.
Humans have cultivated sugarcane for many centuries to produce sugar. But only recently has high-tech innovation started unlocking other useful products that are clean and renewable. Use of sugarcane is expanding into an extraordinarily diverse range of value-added products that include:
The world’s favorite high-energy and all-natural sweetener.
A clean, affordable, and renewable transportation fuel.
Leftover sugarcane biomass can be burned and converted into electricity.
Beverage containers, food packaging and other consumer products made with sugarcane.
The cutting edge of sugarcane innovation where scientists are using cane to produce fuels that could replace gasoline, diesel and jet fuel without needing petroleum.
Sugarcane production needs to expand to accommodate the booming demand for sugarcane derived-products, and especially for clean and renewable sugarcane ethanol. The main question: how to do it properly?
Preserving biodiversity and protecting precious resources.
Creating a safe and responsible work environment.
Providing both food and fuel from agriculture.
Most suitable techniques for sustainable cultivation and processing.
Learn about BONSUCRO and access our full sustainability report.
Sugarcane can play a role helping to solve many of the top challenges confronting government officials and global leaders. This remarkable plant has the potential to lower carbon dioxide emissions, create jobs, reduce petroleum use and help create a healthier, cleaner planet. Learn more about sugarcane’s many benefits.
Sugarcane ethanol cuts carbon dioxide emissions by 90 percent on average compared to gasoline, and other sugarcane products offer similar low-carbon advantages.
Only 20 countries produce oil, but more than 100 cultivate sugarcane. Expanding production of clean, renewable sugarcane products would help enhance energy security and reduce global dependence on fossil fuels.
These 100 cane-growing nations are located in the tropics and are often developing countries that need economic opportunities. Sugarcane expansion could create rural jobs and increase access to electricity.
Replacing gasoline and diesel with ethanol improves air quality, saves lives and reduces hospital admissions.
In the past 30 years, Brazil has become a leader in renewable energy. In this section, you’ll learn the secrets behind Brazil’s successful use of sugarcane to reduce oil dependency, increase energy security and contribute to a thriving economy.
Nearly half of Brazil’s energy comes from renewable sources.
Flex fuel vehicles that can run on either gasoline or ethanol account for 90 percent of new car sales in Brazil.
Sugarcane's contribution to economic growth and creating good jobs - by the numbers.
Since 2003, Brazil's use of sugarcane ethanol has avoided more than 350 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
The Brazilian sugarcane industry is committed to sustainable development and good stewardship of the country's vast resources.
An innovative sugarcane payment system known as Consecana helps ensure good relationships between growers and millers.
Government policies will play a major role in determining whether sugarcane realizes its full potential. This section provides an overview of relevant policies either in place or under discussion in the United States and European Union. It’s a mixed bag that often includes a combination of smart incentives, but also barriers to progress.
Ethanol Policy
Sugar Policy
UNICA’s event in EXPO MILANO 2015
UNICA’s event in Brussels – November 2014
UNICA’S event in Brussels – March 2013