If your business wants to enhance sustainability and create a more environmentally sound operation, switching to a cleaner fuel source is a great place to start. Ethanol is increasingly popular in the United States, and for good reason.
Our guide explains this versatile substance, its renewable production process and how it can support initiatives to reduce your business’ carbon footprint.
What Is Ethanol?
Ethanol is a versatile type of alcohol, also known as ethyl alcohol. It is a clear, liquid substance with a distinct pungent smell. Additional characteristics include the following.
- Chemical formula: The ethanol formula is C₂H₅OH, C₂H₆O or EtOH.
- Flammability: This liquid is highly flammable and a Class 3 hazardous material.
- Boiling point: Ethanol’s boiling point is about 173.3 degrees Fahrenheit, making it vaporize and combust quickly.
Producers make ethanol by fermenting sugar from starchy plants:
- Barley
- Corn
- Sorghum
- Sugarcane
- Sugar beets
According to the United States Renewable Fuel Standard Program, fuel ethanol created from corn kernel starch is a conventional biofuel. Ethanol and biodiesel are the most widely used biofuels in America today.
Common Ethanol Uses
Ethanol has diverse uses across various industries.
Fuel Additive and Biofuel
Ethanol is a renewable biofuel by itself or as a gasoline additive. It is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels that lead to harmful pollution. More than 17 million flexible fuel vehicles in the United States can run on either fuel with 10% ethanol or 85% ethanol, simplifying the switch to cleaner fuel.
Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
Beauty and personal care brands also use ethanol in many products, from hair sprays to hand sanitizers. It evaporates fast, making it a go-to ingredient for products that need to dry quickly, like perfumes. Since ethanol is a solvent, some manufacturers use it in products like lotions, creams and serums to promote better absorption into the skin. Ethanol can also be a preservative to extend the shelf life for cosmetic or personal care products.
Cleaning Agents
Cleaning products often have ethanol in them because of its diverse qualities. It is antimicrobial, and its high alcohol content disinfects surfaces by killing germs. Its solvent capabilities help break up dirt, grime and grease, and its rapid evaporation minimizes revenue.
Some products also use ethanol as a preservative. Other everyday household items that may contain ethyl alcohol include mouthwash and rubbing alcohol.
Pharmaceuticals
Ethanol is crucial in the pharmaceutical and medical industries, which use it for medicines, disinfectants and vaccines. It primarily functions as a preservative to combat bacterial contamination and extend shelf life. Ethanol can also help improve topical medicine absorption into the skin.
A leading use of this substance in the medical field is as an antiseptic and disinfectant, keeping facilities sterile and clean.
What Makes Ethanol a Sustainable Fuel Option?
Ethanol is an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels like gasoline that can help your business harness a greener future. Learn more about what makes switching to ethanol fuel a sustainable choice.
Ethanol Comes From Renewable Resources
Ethanol comes from renewable resources like corn and sugarcane that farmers can grow yearly. Traditional gasoline and diesel are nonrenewable resources that do not replenish as quickly and are not as easily accessible.
Ethanol Is Biodegradable
Pure ethanol is nontoxic. Unlike gasoline, this substance is biodegradable and does not harm the environment. During burning, ethanol also produces less emissions and toxins than fossil fuels.
Ethanol Production Offsets Emissions
A significant environmental benefit of using ethanol gas is that the carbon dioxide captured during crop growth to create ethanol offsets the carbon dioxide emitted from burning the fuel in a vehicle. Corn-based ethanol from dry mills can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% on average.
Pros and Cons of Using Ethanol Fuel for Your Business
Switching to ethanol fuel sources has very few downsides for businesses. Your organization’s vehicles and equipment must be compatible with ethanol, and you may need to upgrade older models. Ethanol gas can also be less accessible than regular gasoline or diesel. However, partners like Foster Fuels can solve this problem by offering fuel delivery services.
Here are some leading benefits of using ethanol fuel.
Environmental Impacts
Ethanol and fuels mixed with the substance burn cleaner than alternative fuel sources. You can feel good about reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions when you use ethanol fuel.
Your operation will be more environmentally friendly and minimize pollution caused by your equipment and vehicles. Switching to this fuel type can appeal to more eco-conscious customers who want to work with businesses that care about the planet.
Affordability
Cost is a compelling advantage of using ethanol gas. Unlike many fossil fuels the U.S. imports from other countries, ethanol is more easily domestically sourced. Since the substance comes from renewable resources and its production process is less complex than gasoline or diesel, its price also tends to be slightly lower and more affordable for businesses.
Energy Security
Improved energy security is another reason to switch to ethanol fuel. American ethanol producers can give you peace of mind that your business will have the fuel you need without the potential complications of importing crude oil from overseas.
Using ethanol can help companies like yours feel more confident about using domestically sourced fuels and supporting our nation’s energy independence.
Partner With Foster Fuels for Biodiesel and Ethanol Fuel Delivery
Is your business ready to switch to ethanol or biodiesel fuel? Partner with Foster Fuels. We have over 100 years of experience and are one of the biggest fuel distributors in Virginia. We understand reliable commercial field delivery is critical for keeping your operations running smoothly, and we offer various cost-effective services, from maintenance to purity testing.
Foster Fuels makes fuel management convenient for your operation, and we offer satellite monitoring to ensure your business always has the fuel you need.
Order ethanol fuel delivery online from Foster Fuels today.
