Expert Insights with Livia Ignácio, Bonsucro: SAF feedstocks and technologies in LATAM
Livia Ignácio
Head of South America
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Bonsucro
In this interview, Livia Ignácio, the Head of South America at Bonsucro, shares her insights into how sustainability practices within sugarcane agriculture can support the LATAM region to develop a thriving SAF ecosystem, and how Bonsucro supports farmers and the wider agriculture and derivatives industry.
Ahead of Sustainable Aviation Futures LATAM Congress, can you share a bit about yourself, your role, and Bonsucro's work with our readers and attendees?
As the Regional Head for South America at Bonsucro, I play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable practices within the sugarcane industry. Bonsucro is the leading global sustainability platform and standard for sugarcane, one of the world’s most important crops. Our organization focuses on developing standards, providing certification, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to enhance sustainability throughout the entire supply chain. We also have the BIF (Bonsucro Impact Fund) aimed at accelerating sustainability projects in the sector. Our global network brings together over 300 members from more than 50 countries to address critical challenges in the sugarcane sector and drive both performance and impact through our system of sustainability standards. We work across all sugarcane products and derivatives, from sugar and alcohol to biofuels, bioplastics and SAF.
My responsibilities include engaging with farmers, mills, end users, industry leaders, and policymakers to drive initiatives that lead to improved practices. By advancing sustainable sugacane production, we aim support the region's transition toward a more resilient future.
What do you believe are the most promising feedstocks for SAF in LATAM, and how do you see these feedstocks shaping the region's contribution to global SAF production?
In Latin America, promising feedstocks for SAF include sugarcane, palm oil, and agricultural residues such as corn stover and bagasse. Sugarcane, in particular, is a highly efficient crop for biofuel production due to its high sugar content and energy yield per hectare. Leveraging sustainable sugarcane production not only helps to meet the increasing demand for sustainable energy in aviation but also aligns with local agricultural practices. By enhancing the scalability of sustainable certified sugarcane, Latin America can contribute significantly to the global SAF market while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The development of infrastructure and technologies for SAF production will further support this transition. As sustainable feedstocks become more integrated into aviation fuel systems, we can expect a positive impact on local economies while simultaneously addressing climate concerns through reduced carbon emissions.
As Head of South America at Bonsucro, you must be deeply connected to sustainable practices in agriculture. How can the region balance the scalability of SAF feedstocks with environmental considerations such as land use and biodiversity?
Sustainable practices must be prioritized to ensure that the expansion of SAF production does not compromise biodiversity or food security. Sugarcane production, for instance, already adopts strategies such as intercropping, using degraded lands for cultivation and producing bioethanol from sugarcane residues, which help mitigate environmental impacts. Engaging with local communities and smallholder farmers can also lead to better decision-making that respects both agricultural productivity and ecological integrity.
Within the Bonsucro Production Standard, we have several indicators to measure environmental performance in sugarcane while ensuring an economically viable production. It's essential to adopt a landscape-scale approach, where the interconnectedness of ecosystems is considered in agricultural planning. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and promoting awareness of sustainable practices, we can achieve a balance that allows for the growth of SAF feedstocks while maintaining healthy ecosystems and safeguarding the region's rich biodiversity. I have no doubt that for sugarcane as a feedstock for SAF, Bonsucro standards offer the best framework to ensure feedstock scalability alongside environmental protection.
From a policy perspective, what are the main challenges Latin American countries face in advancing SAF technologies and feedstock scalability?
Advancing SAF technologies and sustainable feedstock production in Latin America presents several policy challenges. Many countries in the region lack comprehensive policies that explicitly support renewable fuels, which can discourage investment and innovation in SAF technologies - the discussions are advancing, though, and we already have good examples in the region such as the recent Brazilian Fuel of the Future law. Additionally, access to funding and financing mechanisms for research and infrastructure development remains limited. Policymakers need to prioritize creating incentives for renewable energy projects, including SAF, to attract investment. Furthermore, international collaborations and knowledge-sharing through platforms like Bonsucro can help overcome local barriers by introducing best practices and technological advancements – we do that for sugarcane as an important feedstock for SAF.
Addressing these challenges requires a unified approach and the establishment of a robust policy environment that supports the growth of SAF technologies and the scalability of sustainably produced feedstocks, such as sugarcane, in Latam.
How do you assess the current state of SAF technology in Latin America? What are the key barriers and opportunities for scaling up these technologies across different countries in the region?
The current state of SAF technology in Latin America reveals both challenges and significant opportunities for growth. Many countries in the region are still in the nascent stages of developing comprehensive strategies for SAF technology adoption, and research into suitable feedstocks is ongoing. Sugarcane has proved to be a key feedstock for SAF production and it needs to be produced sustainably. Regional collaboration through platforms like Bonsucro can help share knowledge and resources. Additionally, sustainable local agricultural practices can be leveraged to incorporate SAF production, benefiting both farmers and the aviation industry. In sugarcane, for instance, with the same number of hectares one can produce the traditional first-generation ethanol from cane juice, and also second-generation ethanol from sugarcane bagasse and straw (residues) – meaning a higher yield and much lower carbon footprint of the feedstock.
By addressing existing barriers and seizing opportunities, Latin American countries are positioned to play a crucial role in the scaling of SAF technologies and sustainable feedstock production on a global scale, contributing to sustainability efforts in aviation.
What are you most looking forward to at Sustainable Aviation Futures LATAM Congress in just over a month?
At the Sustainable Aviation Futures LATAM Congress, I most look forward to the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers. This congress will serve as a platform for sharing insights and experiences related to sustainable aviation fuels and practices within the region. Networking with other professionals will foster collaboration, enabling us to identify common challenges and explore innovative solutions to advance sustainably produced SAF feedstocks such as sugarcane. Additionally, discussions around the latest research and technological developments in SAF will be invaluable for shaping our strategic direction at Bonsucro. I am particularly interested in exploring how stakeholders can align their goals to create a sustainable aviation fuel ecosystem that benefits both the environment and local economies.