Swedish company Sekab today announced that it will buy certified sustainable ethanol from four Brazilian groups, in what the company says is the first deal of its kind.
Cosan, Guarani, NovAmerica and Alcoeste will sell 115 million liters of anhydrous ethanol made from sugarcane for import to Sweden.
SEKAB said it worked with the Brazilian producers to develop a sustainable and verifiable criteria for the entire lifecycle of the ethanol, taking into consideration environmental, climate and social perspectives.
SEKAB said the criteria are in line with demands highlighted in the ongoing processes being led by organisations like the UN, EU, ILO and a number of NGOs.
The requirements have zero tolerance for child labour, non-organised working conditions (slave labour) and the destruction of rain forests. There are also requirements concerning working conditions, labour laws and wages, the company said.
Harvesting is to be at least 30% mechanised today, increasing to 100% by 2014, and an independent international verification company will audit all production units twice a year to ensure the established criteria are met.
"This initiative is the first of its kind in the world and a major step for speeding up the replacement of gasoline and diesel," says Anders Fredriksson. "The criteria will gradually be developed over the coming years and synchronised with international regulations when these are in place."
SEKAB delivers about 90% of all ethanol in Sweden for E85 and ED95 (ethanol for heavy vehicles).
"The first harvest of sugarcane for verified sustainable ethanol has just begun," explains Anders Fredriksson. "Over 100 000 Swedish owners of E85 cars can begin filling up with verified sustainable ethanol in August."
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