Bioethanol today

essEnce5 and E85 at the pump

In 2004, bioethanol fuel became a reality in Switzerland when private companies, such as Swisscom, adopted it as the cornerstone of their programmes to control greenhouse gas emissions. In June 2005, the first distributors (oil companies) opted for this new biofuel, making it possible for everyone to do their share to reduce CO2 emissions. Any of today's cars can already run on bioethanol fuel without the need for technical adjustments. Under the current standard, 5% bioethanol can be added to petrol, and this blend is known as essEnce5. The changeover to a 10% ethanol blend for all cars (as is the case in the US) has encountered resistance on the part of some European car makers.

So, as a driver I can now use bioethanol petrol: what are the advantages and how do I go about it?

Distributing essEnce5

People in the following positions can already distribute essEnce5:

·        fuel distributor  

·        head of an oil company  

·        fuel purchasing manager for a fleet of vehicles (private company, group, etc.)

·        head of the department of energy/environment in my canton, municipality, etc.

Why change to essence₅, and how do I go about it (distributers/service stations)?

Distributing E85

Ethanol fuel can now be used in another way. It is called "ethanol 85" or "E85", and it maximises bioethanol’s potential in the field of environmental protection.

Ethanol for use in essEnce5 and E85 is now produced in Switzerland from domestic raw materials (wood wastes), and is distributed by Alcosuisse. From the beginning of 2009, following the closure of the Borregaard plant, ethanol will be sourced from European suppliers. However, this will only be ethanol produced from converted wastes.


Bioethanol is only used as an additive in essEnce5, but it is the main ingredient in E85 fuel.