Ethanol: a Sustainable Molecule for Cleaner Mobility
As the world seeks alternatives to fossil fuels, bioethanol has become a key solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in transport.
Regulatory pressure, climate targets, and the need for energy diversification are accelerating the shift toward renewable fuels.
Bioethanol, derived from renewable biomass, supports this transition. It helps reduce our reliance on conventional fuels and contributes to lowering GHG emissions. Its compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure makes it a practical and scalable solution.
At Roquette, we bring our biorefinery expertise to ethanol production—delivering high-quality, sustainable solutions that meet today’s energy and environmental challenges.
Roquette’s Biorefinery Approach to Ethanol
Since 2008, Roquette has produced ethanol at its Beinheim site in France, with a capacity of 110,000 tons per year. Our production is rooted in a biorefinery model that maximizes the value of every raw material. We combine environmental performance with circularity of inputs to create a more sustainable process.
Our ethanol is a complement to support our starch processing. We harness specific residues from food and pharmaceutical applications. These residues meet strict sustainability criteria and are ideal for fermentation. This process is the most efficient way to convert low-sugars products into ethanol and preserves valuable components like proteins and fibers for other uses, such as animal nutrition. It enables us to produce renewable energy while supporting a circular economy.
A Circular and Efficient Production Model
Roquette’s bioethanol production is designed to optimize resource use and reduce environmental impact.
At our Beinheim site, we integrate renewable energy sources and circular practices to support a more sustainable value chain:
- Deep geothermal energy is used to generate steam.
- A biomass boiler provides additional renewable energy.
- Biogenic CO₂ from fermentation is captured and reused—for example, in beverages or greenhouse farming—helping to avoid fossil-based emissions.
- We prioritize local sourcing of raw materials, combining cereal crops and starch production residues.
- For some batches, we use low-carbon farming practices, such as organic fertilizers and regenerative agriculture.
This approach reflects our biorefinery expertise and commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability and efficiency.
Two Sustainable Ethanol Options
Roquette offers two ethanol solutions to meet diverse sustainability goals:
- Crop-based ethanol: Delivers around 80% GHG reduction compared to fossil fuels. With low-carbon raw materials, this can target 100%.
- Advanced ethanol: Produced from starch production residues, it achieves over 100% GHG savings versus fossil references.
Both types comply with the EU standard EN 15376, which governs ethanol use in biofuels. We also offer tailored specifications, including adjustments higher alcohols, and methanol levels
A Trusted Partner in the Biofuel Value Chain
Our bioethanol, derived from sustainable raw materials, supports the transition to greener energy sources.
With decades of biorefinery expertise, a strong industrial base, and a focus on continuous improvement, Roquette is a reliable partner for customers seeking high-performance, low-carbon ethanol solutions.