Trajectory of the Brazilian Sugarcane and Bioenergy Sector
2025
In August 2025, following technical studies conducted by the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), the anhydrous ethanol blend in gasoline was increased from 27% to 30%.”
2024
Approval of the Fuel of the Future and Mover Program bills, which aim to promote biofuel consumption and support low-carbon vehicle technologies.
2020
In its first year of official operation, RenovaBio certified over 80% of the ethanol sold in Brazil. More than 14.5 million CBios were traded, representing 97.6% of the federal government’s target.
2019
A Toyota lança o primeiro veículo híbrido flex do mundo no modelo do Corolla.
2017
The National Biofuels Policy (RenovaBio) was approved with the objective of reducing the carbon intensity of Brazil’s transportation matrix. The policy promotes the expanded use of biofuels and establishes a market for Decarbonization Credits (CBios).
In São Paulo state, a new agro-environmental protocol – Greener Ethanol – was signed by the State Secretariats of Agriculture and Supply and of the Environment, Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo (Cetesb), and representatives of the sugarcane production sector, including Orplana and UNICA. The initiative sets out best practices aimed at enhancing environmental performance.
2015
The Bioelectricity Certification Program and the Green Energy Seal were launched to recognize power plants, traders, and distributors that use electricity generated from sugarcane biomass.
2012
The United Nations Conference, RIO+20, was held in Rio de Janeiro with the aim of renewing the commitment to sustainable development.
2011
The Bonsucro Certification was launched as an internationally recognized seal for sustainable and responsible practices in the production of sugarcane and its derivatives.
2010
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified Brazilian sugarcane ethanol as an advanced biofuel, capable of reducing GHG emissions by at least 50% compared to gasoline.
2009
With the harvesting mechanization, the RenovAção Project was launched, the largest training and requalification program for workers in the sugar-energy sector in the world.
Honda launched the world’s first commercially produced flex-fuel motorcycle.
2008
The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) and UNICA sign an agreement to promote Brazilian ethanol as a clean and renewable energy source abroad.
2007
Sugarcane and Bioenergy sector and the São Paulo State Government signed the Green Ethanol Agro-Environmental Protocol, a voluntary agreement that advanced the legal deadlines established by State Law No. 11,241/2002, which governs the gradual phase-out of sugarcane straw burning.
2004
Embraer launched the world’s first aircraft powered by ethanol produced on a commercial scale.
2003
Flex-fuel vehicles entered the market, capable of running on gasoline, ethanol, or any blend of the two.
2000
The country’s first facility for producing biodegradable plastic from sugarcane has begun operations. Unlike conventional plastic, which can take decades to decompose, this innovative material breaks down in the environment within months.
1997
The Sugarcane and Bioenergy Industry Association (UNICA), the largest organization representing Brazil’s sugar-energy sector, is founded.
1979
The Fiat 147, the world’s first ethanol-powered car, was launched. Soon after, Volkswagen, General Motors, and Ford followed with their own models. The launch coincided with the second global oil crisis, highlighting the strategic importance of alternative fuels.
1975
In response to the 1973 oil crisis, the Brazilian government launched the National Alcohol Program (Proálcool) to reduce dependence on petroleum-based fuels by promoting ethanol, initially as a fuel additive.
1931
Brazil began blending 5% anhydrous ethanol into gasoline.
