The production of bioethanol and biodiesel and the prospect of its importation into the EU have lead to various initiatives to ensure that only biofuels which are produced in a sustainable way are acceptable. Standards which are set to define the important sustainability issues are in various stages of development. The processes involved are of interest to the sugar industry, as both sugarcane and sugarbeet have enormous potential as feedstocks for bioethanol. The Better Sugarcane Initiative is underway to define standards for the sustainable production of both sugar and bioethanol from sugarcane. This paper attempts to discuss the major issues surrounding sustainable production of sugar and ethanol, outlining the processes involved in setting and maintaining sustainability standards. This is discussed in particular with respect to the development of the Better Sugarcane Initiative and looks forward to the implications for all stakeholders.
Understanding tomato plant metabolism for sustainable production
