New ways of seeing the world

High technology and sustainable aspects

These advantages make sugarcane a global reference among the world's renewable energy resources

Over 30 years of research and technological development in the area of sugarcane cultivation have put Brazil in a vanguard position and given it important competitive advantages. Renowned worldwide for its sustainability and efficient production, today Brazilian sugarcane is a key protagonist in the consolidation of the so-called low-carbon economy, which is a great aspiration of all continents.

The fuel boasts the highest reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which are responsible for global warming and climate change. The emission of gases during its entire life cycle until the burning of the ethanol is up to 84% lower than that of gasoline. On the same comparison basis, the emissions of corn ethanol (United States) are only 30% lower than that of gasoline and 40% lower than that of beet ethanol (Europe).1

In addition, sugarcane cultivation does not cause significant impacts on farming activities. Brazil uses only 1% of its arable land to produce ethanol, and of this land 80% is located in the Southeast region of Brazil. The crop can also be expanded over a vast area of degraded pastures without competing with land used for food cultivation.2

Lastly, it is important to point out that sugarcane cultivation does not cause any impacts on the Amazon Rainforest. Not only does it have weather conditions that are inadequate for growing sugarcane, the Amazon is located 2,500 km away from the main sugarcane growing regions. Moreover, national and regional laws govern the cultivation and expansion of areas dedicated to sugarcane cultivation in order to preserve the existing ecosystem.2

Energy efficiency

The energy balance of sugarcane shows its vast superiority. Data from the World Watch Institute show that sugarcane ethanol generates 9.3 units of renewable energy for each unit of fossil energy used in its production. In the case of corn ethanol (United States), the renewable energy generated by the ethanol produced is only 1.4, while for beet ethanol (Europe) this figure is 2.0.3 This advantage of sugarcane is largely due to the fact that the Brazilian plants are self-sufficient in terms of energy, since they use the co-products from the actual process to generate bioenergy. In addition, the productivity of sugarcane is higher than that of other renewable resources. For comparison, sugarcane (Brazil) yields 6,500 ethanol liters/hectare; corn (United States) 4,200 liters/hectare; and beets (Europe) 5,500 liters/hectare.2

To strengthen its commitment to the sugarcane production chain, Braskem has drafted a code of conduct for its ethanol suppliers that establishes sustainability criteria, including a commitment to environmental guidelines and respect for biodiversity and human and labor rights.

For more information on sugarcane and ethanol go to: english.unica.com.br

• Doornbosh and Steenblik, 2007. * theoretical yield, as presented by Word Watch Institute, 2006
• Goldemberg, NIPE-Unicamp, IBGE, CTC, UNICA
• Goldemberg/Macedo et al, 2008; World Watch Institute, 2006