Sugarcane processing for ethanol and sugar in Brazil

•Sugarcane has been used for sugar, ethanol and electricity production in Brazil.•The main characteristics of the industrial process are described.•Opportunities for process improvements are provided.•Perspectives for the future are suggested.•Technologies can be adapted for use in other countries and different feedstock.

Sugarcane has been used as feedstock for production of ethanol on a large scale basis in Brazil for over three decades, where most of the sugarcane mills produce sugar, ethanol and electricity. In this study the technologies usually employed in sugarcane mills in Brazil are briefly described, along with opportunities for process improvements and suggestions for the future of the sugarcane industry. These technologies and improvements can be improved, adapted and replicated to other countries using new technologies and alternative feedstock throughout the world.

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