Bonsucro

Since 2011, Bonsucro has certified over 800 millions tonnes of sugarcane, and over 55 million tonnes of sugar.

In 2021, the number of certified mills rose to 145.[4] Certified mills were found to have reduced their water use by 53 % after five years of certification.[4] 71 % of certified mills produced enough energy to export to the national grid.[4]

Through ongoing certification, producers demonstrate the ability to reduce their nitrogen fertiliser use per hectare, from an average of 81 kg N/ha at initial certification to an average of 67 kg N/ha after five years. In 2020, certified producers used an average of 3.5kg active ingredient/ha for both pesticides and herbicides - well within the standard threshold of using less than 5 kg active ingredient per hectare.

Through Bonsucro membership and certification, over 32,000 seasonal workers in sugarcane production and processing now have proper contracts and are paid at least the national minimum wage.[4] 182,800 workers are covered by health and safety plans and have access to first aid.[4]

All figures have been taken from Bonsucro's 2021 Outcome Report.[4]

In 2021 Bonsucro announced its new five-year strategic plan.[5] The defining Statement of Purpose is "to collectively accelerate the sustainable production and uses of sugarcane".

Its three Strategic Aims are:

1. Improve the environmental impact of sugarcane – through driving climate action, lowering emissions, improving water security and stewardship, and improving biodiversity and soil health
2. Strengthen decent work and respect for human rights in sugarcane farming and milling – through increasing wages in farming and milling, and improve occupational health and safety
3. Create value across the supply chain – through increasing supply and demand of certified, sustainable sugar, ethanol and derivatives, and making the value chain more inclusive and sustainable

The three strategic aims correspond to the three pillars of sustainable development and define how Bonsucro will contribute to the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Bonsucro works with its member to address critical challenges across the sugarcane sector. Members include farmers, millers, traders, and end users.

There are two types of Bonsucro certification that allow stakeholders to demonstrate their commitment to environmental and social sustainability in sugarcane. Stakeholders are audited by third parties in order to ensure impartiality and fairness.

Bonsucro has over 300 members from 55 countries.

EU market access has been labeled as important by Colombian policy-makers, and described as driving the country's national policy aiming for 40% Bonsucro sugarcane.[9] However, this use of certification in the context of biofuels has caused concern regarding the consequences of intensification in Colombia, although as of November 2014 no mills had yet achieved certification in the country.[10] The first Bonsucro certified ethanol fuel, from Brazil, was first imported into Europe through the Port of Rotterdam in 2012.[11][12]