Author
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Rosentrater, Kurt |
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Submitted to: International Sugar Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 9/18/2007 Publication Date: 11/1/2007 Citation: Rosentrater, K.A. 2007. Ethanol processing coproducts - a review of some current constraints and potential directions. International Sugar Journal. 109:1-11. Interpretive Summary: Corn-based ethanol in the U.S. is dramatically increasing; so is the quantity of byproducts generated. These materials, known collectively as distillers grains, are currently utilized as livestock (primarily beef and dairy) feed, sales of which provide ethanol processors with a substantial revenue source. With the construction of many new plants in recent years, it is imperative to find new uses for these materials, in order to maintain the economic viability of this industry. These process residues have much potential for value-added processing and utilization in other sectors, but barriers currently exist. The aim of this article is to discuss four such constraints and possibilities: storability and handling, value-added livestock and other animal feed use, human food use, and nontraditional processing into manufactured products. Addressing the issues discussed here will be essential to the growth of the industry. Ultimately, alleviating these constraints and pursuing these new possibilities will improve manufacturing economics and augment the viability of the entire industry. Technical Abstract: The production of corn-based ethanol in the U.S. is dramatically increasing; as is the quantity of coproducts generated from this processing sector. These streams are primarily utilized as livestock feed, which is a route that provides ethanol processors with a substantial revenue source and significantly increases the profitability of the production process. With the construction of many new plants in recent years, it is imperative to augment current uses and to find new outlets for these materials, in order to maintain the economic viability of this industry. Known collectively as distillers grains, these process residuals have much potential for value-added processing and utilization in other sectors, but barriers currently exist. The goal of this article was to discuss four such constraints and possibilities: storability and handling, value-added livestock and other animal feed use, human food use, and nontraditional processing into manufactured products. Addressing these issues will be essential to the growth of the industry, both in terms of developing new and refined methods for storing and handling these materials, and in identifying and developing new market opportunities for these coproduct materials. Ultimately, alleviating these constraints and pursuing these new possibilities will improve manufacturing economics as well as augment the viability of the entire industry. |
