Potential of Bio‐Based Economy: Pathways for Diversifying Ethanol Biorefineries in Brazil

ABSTRACT

Brazil is well positioned in the global bio‐based economy, combining abundant biomass resources, decades of technological innovation, and supportive public policies that enabled the large‐scale deployment of biofuels. This established infrastructure and industrial expertise can be leveraged to transform the country's ethanol industry into a diversified biorefinery platform. This study examines strategic pathways for this transition, including the integration of sugarcane, corn, and lignocellulosic technologies. The rapid expansion of corn ethanol, advances in second‐generation (E2G) processes, and the valorization of key coproducts such as distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), distillers corn oil (DCO), and lignin are driving the evolution from commodity biofuels to high value biochemicals and biomaterials. Strategic diversification, centered on bioprivileged molecules and multiplatform integration, positions Brazil to compete in emerging global markets for sustainable chemicals and advanced materials. Achieving this potential will require coordinated policy frameworks, technological innovation, and robust collaboration across academia, industry, and government. By capitalizing on its robust agricultural base and industrial infrastructure, Brazil can consolidate a resilient and diversified bioeconomy, bridging renewable energy, circular materials, and green manufacturing.