Prospects of Diversification for Sustainable Sugar Bioenergy Industries in ASEAN Countries

Abstract

The challenge of sustainability has emerged as a primary concern across numerous industries globally including the sugar sector. The importance of adopting sustainable practices is increasingly acknowledged on a global scale. The sugar industry occupies a unique position and has the potential to make significant contributions to various vital Sustainable Development Goals. Over the years, the sugar industry has supported and advanced these goals through diverse strategies, including the utilization of sugarcane byproducts for alternative purposes such as ethanol production, cogeneration of energy from cane bagasse, and the development of bio-based products. In this endeavor, ASEAN countries are united in harnessing the versatility of sugarcane bio-products for a greener and more resilient future. Sugarcane offers a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil-based byproducts through the production of biofuels, biochemicals, and bioplastics. This transition to a bio-based economy not only conserves limited resources by reducing usage but also diminishes the carbon footprint. By embracing and preserving these renewable resources, the various initiatives and efforts undertaken by ASEAN sugar industries can promote economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social well-being, thereby paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.