The public discourse began with a rather one-sided praise of bioethanol. Now it is dominated by a rather heated debate. The media tends to give voice mostly to the more extreme positions, giving the impression that one should be either adamantly opposed to or feverishly in favor of bioethanol.
But lost in more sensationalist pursuits is one simple point: Bioethanol can do a world of good if produced sustainably. So it should not be a matter of being for or against bioethanol, but a matter of ensuring that the clear benefits of bioethanol are realized, while limiting or entirely preventing negative impacts.
Although Novozymes is only a supplier of enzymes to the bioethanol industry, we have entered the debate to deliver our understanding of the pros and cons of bioethanol. Given Novozymes’ strong commitment to sustainability, we think it is important that we contribute in a serious and forward-looking way to the discussion around the environmental and the societal opportunities and challenges of biofuel.