European ethanol biorefineries produced more food and animal feed than fuel in 2024, according to audited data released by ePURE, the European renewable ethanol association.

ePURE members, representing 85% of EU installed capacity, together with other European renewable ethanol producers, generated 6.9 million tons of food and feed co-products (higher than the 6.5 million tons of the previous year), including high-protein animal feed and 5.4 million tons of renewable ethanol. The audit also highlighted the production of 1.54 million tons of captured biogenic CO2, another strategic domestic product that replaces fossil CO2 in applications including beverages and greenhouses.

David Carpintero, ePure Director General, emphasized: “At a time of ever-shifting global trade policies, the strategic importance of domestic renewable ethanol biorefineries has never been more vital for Europe. European biorefineries help reduce carbon emissions, secure food systems, ensure energy independence and build agricultural and industrial autonomy.”

Crucially, all crops used by the audited biorefineries were grown by European farmers. A total of 86.5% of the renewable ethanol produced was for fuel use. Of the remaining ethanol production, 6.9% was for industrial use, including hand sanitiser, and 6.6% was for food and beverage use.

The audit also showed a record-high greenhouse gas saving performance of European producers’ ethanol (79% on average compared to fossil petrol), making its use essential to transport decarbonisation by reducing emissions from the petrol and hybrid cars that will predominate on Europe’s roads for many years.

ePURE represents 41 member companies and associations with around 50 plants across the EU and UK. The statistics were compiled from ePURE members and other European renewable ethanol producers and certified by auditing firm Copartner.

For more ethanol statistics from 2024, read it here.