About Us
UNEM and Associates
UNEM represents the Brazilian corn ethanol sector, a growing segment in Brazil that was created as a clean, sustainable energy alternative, a benchmark for reducing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, in addition to contributing to the generation of income in the field and the supply of Distillers Grains for animal nutrition.
UNEM has 3 classes of members:
I. Industrial associates: these are ethanol and distillers grains producing companies that have corn or other cereals as their main or secondary raw material.
II. Institutional Associates: these are class entities representing other links in the production chain of ethanol from corn and other cereals, their derivatives and co-products;
III. Partner associates: these are companies that produce goods, technologies and services aimed at developing the production chain for ethanol from corn and other cereals, as well as their derivatives and co-products.

The values of UNEM, the Union of Corn Ethanol Product Producers, are commitment to environmental sustainability, product quality, transparency in business practices, innovation and technological development, social responsibility towards local communities and respect for employees and business partners.
UNEM values business ethics, the pursuit of excellence and the defense of the interests of the corn ethanol industry in Brazil.
Distillers Grains are co-products of corn ethanol production, rich in proteins and fibers. When producing corn ethanol, a renewable fuel, Distillers Grains are obtained, a product intended for animal feed with a high concentration of nutrients. Three times more than in corn itself.
In the case of production in Brazil, it is worth noting that the process uses biomass as a source of renewable energy to generate both corn ethanol and Distillers Grains, a differentiating factor compared to other producing countries, which use fossil fuels.
It is the brand of the sectoral project that supports the international promotion of Brazilian Distillers Grains. It brings together members of UNEM – União Nacional do Etanol de Milho (National Union of Corn Ethanol) and APEX BRASIL, the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of the Brazilian government. Since the country is already recognized worldwide as a major player in the production and export of grains and food, this is another option to increase our trade balance by ensuring a source of animal nutrition for feed companies in the international market, guaranteeing food security for millions of people.
The Brazilian Distillers Grains brand brings together Brazilian companies that are at the forefront of technology and innovation, which guarantee high quality and consistency in production.
The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) works to promote Brazilian products and services abroad and attract foreign investment to strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy.
The Agency carries out diverse trade promotion actions aimed at promoting exports and enhancing the value of Brazilian products and services abroad, such as prospective and commercial missions, business rounds, support for the participation of Brazilian companies in major international fairs, visits by foreign buyers and opinion makers to learn about the Brazilian production structure, among other business platforms that also aim to strengthen the Brazilian brand.
ApexBrasil coordinates efforts to attract foreign direct investment to Brazil, focusing on strategic sectors for developing the competitiveness of Brazilian companies and the country.
“From green to golden” is the slogan for Brazilian Distillers Grains because it highlights the transformation of the raw, green grains used in the distillation process, using renewable energy, into the valuable and sought-after golden grains that are produced as a result. This slogan conveys the idea of a natural and sustainable process that results in a high-quality product, appealing to customers who value transparency and quality in animal nutrition.

Sustainability
The use of biomass as a raw material for the production of Brazilian Distillers Grains can contribute to reducing the waste of natural resources and promoting environmental sustainability.
– Biomass is a renewable and abundant source, which can ensure the continuous availability of inputs for the production of distillers grains, in addition to contributing to Brazil’s decarbonization goals. Currently, the largest source of biomass used comes from eucalyptus forests from the reforestation of already degraded areas. The search for new sources of biomass presents another opportunity in this process, such as bamboo cultivation, due to its rapid growth.
The use of biomass is an economically viable alternative, as it reduces production costs and adds value to co-products of ethanol production such as Brazilian Distillers Grains.
RenovaBio
RenovaBio is a Brazilian program that aims to encourage the production and consumption of biofuels, such as corn ethanol, in a sustainable and economical way. The program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, promote the diversification of the energy matrix and increase energy efficiency in the country.
1. Incentive for the production of biofuels: RenovaBio offers incentives and financial rewards to biofuel producers who adopt sustainable practices in their operations. This encourages the production of corn ethanol and distillers grains in a more efficient and environmentally friendly way.
2. Valorization of co-products: The RenovaBio program recognizes the importance of co-products generated in the production of biofuels, such as distillers grains, and their contribution to the circular economy. This encourages producers to seek ways to add value to by-products, such as using distillers grains in animal feed.
3. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: By promoting the production and consumption of biofuels, RenovaBio contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. The use of corn ethanol as a renewable fuel and the valorization of by-products resulting from production contribute to the mitigation of climate change.
