The ecological impact of the sugar sector- Aspects of the change of a key industrial sector in Europe

The paper will explore the ecological impact of sugar industry, using the Sustainable Process Index (SPI). This evaluation reveals weak points in the conventional sugar process, especially in the energy provision. Modification of the process utilising by-products and farm residues can considerably lower the environmental impact of the sugar sector. This is also interesting from the point of view that sugar may be seen as an important starting point for the production of ethanol, a prime contender for clean fuel.