‘Milk-to-ethanol’ now becoming a reality in Michigan

As the quest for biofuels or cleaner forms of energy is gaining pace world over, America looks like breaking ground on producing ethanol from milk. In a major development, the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) and Canadian Dairy Distillery have officially broken ground on a $41 million ethanol plant in Constantine, Michigan and the new facility is built to convert a dairy byproduct into low-carbon ethanol fuel.

The plant is designed to process 14,000 tons of milk permeate—a byproduct of dairy processing—into 2.2 million gallons of ethanol annually. When blended with transportation fuels, this ethanol is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 14,500 tons each year. This reduction accounts for 5% of the carbon footprint from the milk processed at Constantine, underscoring the facility’s significant contribution to environmental sustainability and its innovative approach to waste-to-energy solutions.

The milk products-to-ethanol can lead to further sustainability and economic growth in a given region.

Omid McDonald, CEO of Dairy Distillery, commended MMPA dairy farmers for their dedication to sustainability and highlighted their partnership as a groundbreaking innovation in the dairy industry. He noted that using milk permeate to produce low-carbon ethanol not only helps reduce the carbon footprint but also enhances the value of the milk produced by dairy farmers. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in developing sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions in the dairy sector.

The project has received $2.5 million in funding from the Michigan Strategic Fund, reflecting the state’s strong commitment to advancing clean energy initiatives.

MMPA President & CEO Joe Diglio highlighted that by converting milk permeate into ethanol, this initiative not only reduces waste but also supports environmental sustainability. Diglio emphasized that the project exemplifies their commitment to innovation and eco-friendly practices within the dairy industry.

He praised the dedication of their members and partners, stating that this initiative reflects their collective efforts to build a sustainable future. The alliance stands as a proud example of how their work benefits both the environment and the communities they serve.
Ethanol production at the plant is scheduled to begin in 2025. The Dairy Distillery Alliance, first announced last spring, marks the launch of this innovative partnership.