How sugarcane biofuels can reduce GHG emissions in international shipping

With rising concerns over the sector’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the shipping industry is accelerating its commitment to meet international climate targets by sourcing more sustainable energy such as biofuels derived from sugarcane ethanol. Bonsucro’s suite of tools for the sugarcane sector is here to help the shipping sector navigate its journey towards lower emissions.

Why must the shipping sector act on climate change??

The maritime transport industry is absolutely crucial to global trade. Compared to alternatives (such as air cargo), shipping is also the most energy-efficient form of international transport. However, it is also a growing source of emissions, and now contributes around two to three percent of total global emissions. Projections show that emissions from the sector could increase by up to 130% by 2050 (from the 2008 level).

In 2023, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) published a strategy to encourage the port and shipping sectors to take urgent action on reducing emissions from international shipping. The introduction of alternative fuels, such as biofuels derived from sugarcane, will be essential to allow the sector to reach net-zero.?

What is the role of biofuels in reducing emissions in shipping??

The use of biofuels has been recognised by the United Nations as a lower carbon solution that can help reduce emissions in the transportation industry. Biofuels are fuels derived from organic material, known as biomass, which includes sugarcane.?

Whilst the use of biofuels may lead to a reduction in GHG emissions compared to fossil fuels, not all types of biofuels are created equally. Different types of biofuels have varying impacts. Bioethanol, for instance, can be classified under two categories: first-generation and second-generation. First-generation bioethanol is mainly produced from conventional feedstock like corn, soybeans, and sugarcane, whilst second-generation bioethanol, are more advanced fuels produced from by-products and agricultural waste such as sugarcane bagasse . ??

While all biofuels create lower emissions than fossil fuels, it is possible to reduce emissions even further by sourcing sugarcane that has been produced in a more sustainable way.?

Bonsucro has the tools to make sugarcane-based biofuels more sustainable????

The Bonsucro Production Standard sets out the guidelines for growing and processing sugarcane more sustainably. The Production Standard provides metrics to reduce the environmental impact of sugarcane production, to mitigate occupational health and safety issues, and to create more value across the supply chain (e.g. better yield performance). For instance, Bonsucro impact data shows that certified mills reduce land management GHG emissions by 17% after five years of certification.?

The Bonsucro Calculator enables members to encode their production data and monitor their environmental performance against all criteria set in the Production Standard, including GHG emissions. The ClimateCane Tracker, meanwhile, helps operators set clear pathways on how they can reduce their GHG emissions in line with science. The Bonsucro EU-RED Standard provides producers a checklist for sustainably produced ethanol so that it meets the requirements of the European market. ?

“Sugarcane bioethanol has the potential to play a really relevant role in decarbonisation of the maritime sector. Bonsucro is here to support the sector to respond to the growing demand for biofuels in a more sustainable way.”? Beatriz Palatinus Milliet , Chair, Bonsucro Members’ Council

Where is sugarcane bioethanol produced???

The largest producers of ethanol are the United States and Brazil, together accounting for 80% of the world’s production. The Brazilian ethanol industry primarily uses sugarcane, while the U.S. mainly uses corn. ??

As we accelerate towards decarbonisation, Bonsucro provides sugarcane-based ethanol producers and buyers what they need to meet their sustainability goals and have a more positive impact to people and the planet.

If you want to learn more, check out our dedicated page on Bonsucro-certified ethanol.??