Can Sugarcane Biorefinery Pathways: Sustainability and Soil Protection

Its cultivation can bring notable environmental benefits, supporting resource production for the green chemical industry and aiding soil restoration and reuse.

Cane has long been used in Spain, with Ibiza as part of its history.

The push for renewable energy sources and materials drives the search for alternative resources. Why not consider a plant with low input needs that, with proper crop management, minimizes risks?

Potential use of common cane sugar in a biorefinery

Various products can be produced from this plant through a cascade biorefinery plan, where the waste from one step becomes the feedstock for the next. This approach enables the sequential use of different parts of the facility, maximizing the resource in line with sustainable development goals.

Products obtained can be grouped into three broad blocks:

1. natural fibers: The stem and leaves yield natural fibers. With high cellulose content (around 70%), strong crystallinity, thermal stability, and good mechanical properties, these fibers are especially relevant for composites and other material applications.
2. bioenergy: Primarily bioethanol, but other fuels such as biochar and biomethane can also be produced.
3. chemical compounds: Biotechnological processes can generate compounds like xylitol, furfural, and levulinic acid, which serve as precursors for bioplastics, biofuels, fertilizers, and even food additives.

How to ensure the sustainability of the crop?

Common reed shows invasive potential in many studies, particularly in sensitive regions such as the Macaronesian archipelago, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. This factor must be carefully managed to prevent ecological disruption while leveraging its benefits for biorefinery processes.

Sheep near the cane field

Among the strongest attractions of this crop is its low input requirement. Some researchers compare it to other bioenergy crops like Miscanthus × giganteus, noting that sugarcane often yields higher biomass with lower water and fertilizer needs, making it a more favorable option in many settings. The plant can be grown year-round, eliminating seasonal gaps and enabling continuous use.

Of particular interest is its potential impact on marginal or eroded soils. In Europe, more than 400,000 square kilometers face desertification risk, especially in the Mediterranean region. Growing sugarcane could help mitigate soil loss and quality decline while providing renewable, abundant feedstock for the chemical industry without compromising food production.

Soil health directly influences biodiversity and ecosystem preservation. Sugarcane cultivation can contribute to soil bioremediation by accumulating metals such as copper or mercury, aiding their removal from polluted soils.

We can’t forget that it’s an invasive species

The high biomass production, rapid growth, drought tolerance, and resilience to adverse climates—along with the capacity to tolerate lower-quality water and reduced pesticide or fertilizer inputs—make this plant a compelling candidate for biorefinery pathways. These attributes could drive high-value product streams while requiring careful management to minimize ecological impact.

Reed offers several ecological uses

Several researchers highlight its potential to curb soil erosion, especially in the Mediterranean. However, the species’ invasive potential cannot be ignored in regions with rich biodiversity and precise ecological balances, such as island archipelagos.

Responsible cultivation and thoughtful environmental stewardship can reduce adverse soil impacts from poor practices, drought, and salinity. It is essential to avoid wetlands and to use only marginal, contaminated, or high-salinity soils and water of questionable quality, limiting cultivation to regions with lower expansion risk.

In summary, ensuring true sustainability means keeping infestation risk low and harvesting large biomass for a wide range of crops, preserving soils, and supporting healthier ecosystems.

Zaida Cristina Ortega Medina is a university professor at the Department of Process Engineering at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Luis Adargoma Suárez García is a Ph.D. student at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Reference: The Conversation discussed in detail how cane can be an invasive species yet offer beneficial, controlled uses for biorefinery contexts. (Citation: The Conversation. la cana es una especie invasora pero su uso controlado podría ser beneficioso.)

Note: This article reflects the ongoing discussion about balancing ecological risk with the opportunities for renewable materials and soil health. The environmental department emphasizes responsible practices and the need for careful site selection and water management to maximize benefits while protecting ecosystems.