Ethanol production generates more than simply a renewable fuel source. According to the US Department of Energy, numerous co-products emerge through the ethanol production process.
Ethanol is primarily produced from the starch contained in grains such as corn, grain sorghum, and wheat. Through a fermentation and distillation process, the starch is converted to sugar and then to alcohol.
During the process of making ethanol in a dry mill operation, the first co-product produced is a high-protein animal feed, known as dried distillers grains with sollubles (DDGS).Â
The second co-product is CO2, which is captured and marketed to the food processing industry for use in carbonated beverages or the production of dry ice.
Wet-mill ethanol plants are also able to produce corn oil, corn sweetener, and starch.
