The benefits of biofuels to society is currently the subject of much debate. Growing crops to produce first-generation biofuels is seen by many to be an unsustainable practice. Looking to waste materials as a source of fuel may provide a more sustainable contribution to future energy demands.

CCFRA is collaborating with Biocaldol, a biotechnology company with expertise in ethanol fermentation, to assess the potential of food processing wastes as suitable feedstocks for second-generation bioethanol production. CCFRA will carry out the hydrolysis of a range of wastes, including fruit, vegetables and rice, and Biocaldol will then use this material with a patented thermophilic microorganism that produces ethanol in a fast and clean manner. The study is being funded jointly through member subscriptions, the Food Processing Faraday and Biocaldol and is part of our on-going evaluation of new technologies in food processing and sustainable resource management.