A new study is set to explore the feasibility of producing bioethanol from the sugars extracted from cashew apples—a by-product of cashew nut harvesting. This initiative aims not only to assess the technical and commercial viability of this process but also to investigate the potential for converting production residues into bio-based fuels, such as biodiesel or sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The findings will align with Vietnam’s strategic goals for mandatory bioethanol blending in gasoline, a move that has gained urgency in light of rising energy prices exacerbated by ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in Iran. This has led to an increased need for stable, sustainable bioethanol feedstocks that do not compete with food supplies.

Given the growing demand for reliable non-edible biomass feed sources, the study is particularly timely, as it focuses on agricultural residues that can align with national energy policies.

Spanning until February 2027, the study is supported in part by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Sumitomo Forestry, leveraging advanced biomass utilization and sugar production technologies from Japan, will test the scalability of these methods in the Vietnamese context.

This innovative project aims to discover a viable business model that could promote local economic development while simultaneously advancing decarbonization objectives.

Extracting Value from Waste

As one of the leading producers and processors of cashew nuts globally, Vietnam recognizes that while the nuts hold substantial economic value, the cashew apples produced during harvesting often go to waste. With little market demand or processing pathways available, these apples represent a significant untapped biomass resource.

This study directly addresses the underutilization of agricultural by-products and waste, aiming to convert discarded biomass into valuable energy resources. By doing so, the initiative supports the nation’s transition towards a low-carbon future while opening new economic avenues.

The plan recognizes that structural challenges in Vietnam, characterized by unused biomass and agricultural waste, persist despite rising energy demands and emergent low-carbon fuel policies.

The study will encompass methods for collecting these residues, assessing their quality as potential raw materials, and verifying the sugar production processes and output quality for bioethanol applications. A comprehensive evaluation of the entire value chain—from raw material procurement to downstream product sales—will also be carried out.

On a Mission

Sumitomo Forestry has previously focused on utilizing cashew trees as raw materials, manufacturing particleboards from aging trees that have diminished productivity. By expanding its resource utilization efforts to include cashew apples, the organization seeks to implement a cascade utilization model that maximizes the use of every part of the cashew tree.

This holistic approach aims to enhance resource efficiency and create additional value from agricultural and forestry assets, truly embodying the principles of sustainability and circular economy.