Sugarcane ethanol comes in two fuel grades — anhydrous and hydrated. They are not interchangeable, and choosing the right one matters for your application.
Anhydrous ethanol
Anhydrous ethanol has had nearly all its water removed. That very low water content is what allows it to blend with gasoline without separating, which is why it is the grade used as a gasoline oxygenate and octane booster in blending programmes around the world.
Hydrated ethanol
Hydrated ethanol retains a small, controlled amount of water. It is used directly as a fuel — in Brazil it powers flex-fuel vehicles — and serves various industrial fuel applications internationally. It is generally not used for splash-blending with gasoline because of its water content.
How to choose
- Blending ethanol into gasoline? You need anhydrous.
- Using ethanol directly as a fuel? Hydrated is typically the grade.
- Unsure? Tell us the end use and we will advise which grade fits.
Both grades are distilled from sugarcane at our two units, and both units are authorized to export ethanol to the United States.
What to confirm per contract
Exact specification, volume, packaging and Incoterms are agreed per order. Ethanol is a regulated product in many markets, so confirm your destination's import and fuel-quality requirements early.
Frequently asked questions
Can I blend hydrated ethanol into gasoline?
Generally no — hydrated ethanol's water content makes it unsuitable for splash-blending. Anhydrous ethanol is the grade for gasoline blending.
Do you supply both grades?
Yes, both units distil anhydrous and hydrated fuel ethanol. Specifications are confirmed per contract.
Which markets can you export ethanol to?
Both units are authorized to export ethanol to the United States; other destinations are confirmed per enquiry.
Further reading
Specify your ethanol requirement
Tell us the grade, volume and destination; we reply with specifications and availability.