Amul has successfully conducted a large-scale trial to produce bioethanol from cheese and paneer whey, a milk by-product, reports the TOI.
The trial used 4.5 lakh litres of whey, yielding 20,000 litres of rectified spirit with 96.71% ethanol. With this success, Amul plans a Rs 70 crore bioethanol plant producing 50,000 litres daily.
The initiative supports India’s ethanol-blended petrol (EBP) programme and could raise ethanol recovery to 8%. Byproducts like methane, dry ice, and water also add value.
Amul aims to upcycle waste and create new revenue streams for its 3.6 million farmer-owners.