Corn ethanol coproducts - some current constraints and potential opportunities.

The production of corn-based ethanol in the U.S. is dramatically increasing; as is the quantity of coproducts generated from this processing sector. These streams are primarily utilized as livestock feed, which is a route that provides ethanol processors with a substantial revenue source and significantly increases the profitability of the production process. With the construction of many new plants in recent years, it is imperative to augment current uses and to find new outlets for these materials, in order to maintain the economic viability of this industry. Known collectively as distillers grains, these process residuals have much potential for value-added processing and utilization in other sectors, but barriers currently exist. The goal of this article is to discuss four such constraints and opportunities: storability and handling, value-added livestock and other animal feed use, human food use and nontraditional processing into manufactured products. Addressing these issues will be essential to the growth of the industry, both in terms of developing new and refined methods for storing and handling these materials, and in identifying and developing new market opportunities for these coproduct materials. Ultimately, alleviating these constraints and pursuing these new possibilities will improve manufacturing economics and can augment the viability of the corn-based fuel ethanol industry.