Direct prediction of bioethanol yield in sugar beet pulp using Near Infrared Spectroscopy

► The novel NIR-spectroscopy-based method presented allows the prediction of the potential bioethanol yield of sugar beet. ► Bioethanol yield determination from sugar beet brei samples could be shortened from 64 h to 3 min using NIRS. ► Direct estimation of sugar beet ethanol yield could be of great interest for sugar industry in the make-decision process. ► NIRS technology might be of great usefulness for the process control for the bioethanol industry.