The Virtual Mill: An inside look at sugarcane processing

UNICA is frequently asked to arrange visits to its affiliated sugarcane processing mills by a variety of groups from around the world. Political leaders, elected officials, researchers, investors, technicians, academics, students and the news media from every corner of the globe are clearly interested in learning more about the inner workings of a sugar, ethanol and bioelectricity facility.

Visitors who can make time to get to a mill (most are a few hours’ drive from major cities) describe the experience as vital to a better understanding of Brazil’s sugarcane industry. Since visits are not always possible, mainly because of the distances involved, UNICA developed the Virtual Mill, a multimedia project that explains in detail each phase of sugarcane processing and expands the up close mill experience to a much broader audience.

The development of new cane varieties, planting and harvesting, crushing, fermentation and distilling, reuse and recycling of residues, bioelectricity production and the shipment of finished products, are all shown in detail in the Virtual Mill.

The project was conceived by UNICA and produced by São Paulo’s TV1 Group, with support from the Brazilian Export Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil).

ENTER THE VIRTUAL MILL