Biofuel use expands as Brazil begins exporting ethanol

June 27, 2008   by Jozef Winter

Brazil is the 2nd largest producer of ethanol in the world, mostly produced from sugar cane, it makes up a third of all ethanol on the globe. Together with the United States, their numbers reach 70% of current production. In 2007, the country pumped out over 5 billion gallons of the fuel from their refineries like the one pictured above, and is putting some of that on the market for export, specifically to Sweden.

Sekab, the leader in ethanol production in Europe, has come to an agreement with 4 Brazilian firms who will supply it with 30 million gallons. This is different from other export deals as Sekab has required the companies to abide by certain environmental and social standards, ensuring that the fuel is sustainable and that worker rights are recognized. This comes out of direct consumer concern over the potentially harmful agricultural practices in Brazil, deforestation, pollution, as well as the country’s poor record of forced and exploitive labor.

The Brazilian mills will get a premium to the tune of 5-10% as compensation for meeting these standards, and their compliance will be monitored by an independent auditor.

via Mongabay