More food than fuel: ePURE members’ biorefineries produced more animal feed than ethanol in 2021
EU renewable ethanol refineries produced more animal feed than fuel in 2021, according to new audited data.
The EU renewable ethanol industry’s important contribution to food security often goes overlooked or misrepresented in the debate over biofuels. The ethanol production process creates high-protein, GMO-free animal feed in addition to GHG-saving fuel ethanol and captured CO2. This domestic production is a win-win for Europe’s energy independence and food security.
The new data on ethanol production was compiled from ePURE members and certified by auditing firm Copartner. For the first time, ePURE members produced more animal feed co-products (4.48 million tonnes) than renewable ethanol (4.40 million tonnes) – more food than fuel.
The audit also showed record-high GHG-saving performance of ePURE members’ ethanol – 77% compared to fossil petrol – confirming that ethanol production contributes to EU food security and offsets fossil fuel use.
