Chemical and energy potential of sugarcane

Abstract

Sugarcane is a source for sugar production worldwide and the current benchmark first-generation feedstock for efficient biofuel production. The abundance and the potential of low supply cost within a diverse portfolio provides sugarcane a more balanced carbon cycle regarding fossil alternatives. Therefore the sugar as well as their crop and agroprocessing waste can no longer be considered as the final products of a sugar mill. This chapter highlights the prospects for the production of energy, chemicals, materials, and other products by sugarcane valorization, featuring the current state of the technology, underlining new technologies with future implementations and forecasting the impact of expanding this market. Clearly, innovation through chemical, thermochemical, and biotechnological strategies has the potential to provide a sustainable and competitive edge to both sugarcane products and processes toward a circular bioeconomy.