Inpasa and Petrobras expand use of corn ethanol byproducts

The Brazilian corn ethanol industry is expanding its industrial applications through the use of byproducts. Petrobras has begun using technical corn oil (TCO), a byproduct of corn fermentation, as a renewable raw material in the production of petroleum asphalt cement (CAP) at its Henrique Lage Refinery (Revap).

While TCO currently accounts for 1% to 2% of asphalt raw materials, approximately 95,000 tons of renewable-content CAP have already been produced. The initiative creates a link between the bioenergy and infrastructure sectors, as the oil helps adjust material properties such as viscosity and penetration. Petrobras has secured a supply contract for TCO with Inpasa, a major producer in the sector.

Inpasa has seen significant growth, reporting revenue of 22.6 billion reais in 2025, a 65.5% increase from the previous year. The company operates on a biorefinery model, converting corn into ethanol, animal nutrition ingredients (DDGS), vegetable oil, and energy. This expansion is supported by the growth of the second corn harvest in Brazil's Midwest, particularly in Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul.