Animal Feed

The left-over molasses from sugar extraction is mixed with the remaining sugar beet residue and is converted into a valuable animal feed for cattle and sheep. The tops can be used as both fertiliser and animal feed. Other by-products from the process include soil conditioner and power.

Animal Feed

At the sugar mill, nothing is wasted from the cane plants once the sugar has been extracted. The left-over cane, called bagasse, can be used as fuel for the mill boiler which makes the extraction of sugar largely self-sufficient and very economical. Bagasse can also be used in paper production. Other valuable by-products include molasses and power. 

Alcohol from Sugar to Fuel Motor Vehicles

Bioethanol is produced by the fermentation of sugars followed by distillation to produce a pure alcohol. 

In the UK, bioethanol can be added to standard unleaded petrol at levels up to 5% and used in any car on the road today. In the Energy Act 2004, the UK Government provided for the enactment of a Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO). This mechanism is very similar to the Renewables Obligation operating in the electricity sector. The obligation was introduced in April 2008 with an obligation of 2.5% biofuels in 2008-2009 and 3.75% in 2009-2010, reaching 5% for 2010-2011. 

A blend of up to 5% bioethanol can be used in any unleaded car on the road in the UK today. In the longer term, there is potential for ordinary cars to use higher blends. Some car manufacturers have already developed engines to operate on blends of up to 85% bioethanol known as E85.