Whether you work in the food and beverage, cosmetics or perfume industries, transitioning into using organic alcohol for your drink, perfume or cosmetic product is something you might need to take into serious considerations. Across the board, the organic market is growing as consumers are becoming more environmentally and health conscious* about the products they use and consume, and this behaviour is not likely to go away any time soon
While alcohol/ethanol is made from organic materials such as grains, sugarcane and fruit to name a few examples it doesn’t make it a certified “organic product”. Extra procedures need to be implemented for alcohol to be certified as organic.
Here’s what you need to know about buying and using organic ethanol in your products.
What is an Organic Product?
There isn’t a single global organisation overseeing all organic certification. In some cases, it’s administered by the governmental departments like the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). In other cases, it’s a job undertaken by independent organisations, such as the Soil Association in the UK.
While each organisation may have some minor differences in the exact regulations, the generally agreed upon definition of organic products are products that have been produced, processed and stored without the use of synthetic chemicals such as pesticides, antibiotics, sewage sludge or genetically modified organisms.
What is Organic Ethanol?
All types of organic ethanol are produced using methods from organic farming in which the crops are grown without pesticides, artificial fertilisers, sewage sludge and are processed without ionizing radiation (which helps to increase the shelf life of a product) or food additives.
Instead of relying on synthetic chemicals to control pests and diseases, natural alternatives and methods are implemented, like using pesticides made from natural ingredients and encouraging natural predators as a form of pest control.
One of the most common questions that we get about organic alcohol is “is it better?”. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this. It all depends on what is meant by “better”. In terms of environmental impacts then yes organic is the better option. If you are talking about flavour then it becomes more subjective. Organic options tend to also be slightly more expensive than its non-organic counterparts, therefore it might not be the better financial option.
Different Varieties of Organic Ethanol and Its Uses
Organic grain alcohol: made from rye is a popular base for gin and gin liqueurs. Important note, for a product like gin, the ethanol as well as the botanicals used must be certified as organic for the final product to qualify as such.
Organic wheat alcohol: Base ingredient for vodka, gin, and cosmetic
Organic grape alcohol: Used to make fortified wines (sherry), grappa and other grape-based spirits
Organic cane alcohol: The key ingredient in organic rum (light, dark and gold rum), cane-based liquors, and cosmetics
All of the organic options above can also be used in making organic food products, like organic vinegar and flavours extracts like organic vanilla extract.
Benefits of Using Organic Ethanol
Organic ethanol stands out for its environmentally friendly production process, which avoids synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, and other chemical additives. This approach appeals to industries aiming to minimise their environmental impact and attract increasingly eco-conscious consumers. In the food and beverage sector, as well as cosmetics and perfumes, organic ethanol can align products with the values of customers who are not only quality-driven but also mindful of sustainability.
Organic certification, gives companies the advantage of a reputable mark of quality that can set them apart in a competitive marketplace.
Certification and Labelling Insights
Understanding the nuances of organic certification is important for businesses considering organic ethanol. Certification standards differ slightly depending on the certifying body, but each has rigorous requirements that uphold the integrity of organic labels. Here’s a brief overview of key certifiers:
| Certifying Body | Region | Core Requirements |
| USDA Organic | USA | No synthetic chemicals or genetic modification; organic practices in growing, processing, and handling. |
| Soil Association | UK | Prohibits synthetic chemicals and GMOs, prioritises biodiversity, and requires sustainable soil management. |
| ECO Cert | EU | Emphasis on eco-friendly packaging and renewable resources in production, alongside organic cultivation. |
These certifiers ensure that organic ethanol is produced, processed, and stored without any cross-contamination from non-organic sources. Maintaining such standards throughout the supply chain adds considerable value, underscoring the authenticity of the organic label.
For more on maintaining product quality, our complete guide to neutral spirits is an excellent resource.
The Market Demand for Organic Ethanol
As consumer interest in organic products grows, demand for organic ethanol has surged across multiple industries. Recent studies indicate that the organic personal care market is expanding by approximately 8-10% annually, with similar growth in organic beverages. This upward trend reflects a broader shift towards transparency and environmental accountability in product sourcing.
In the cosmetics industry, where organic labelling is increasingly popular, organic ethanol serves as a critical ingredient for formulations aimed at eco-aware consumers. The food and beverage industry is seeing a similar trend, with products that use organic ethanol gaining traction among those seeking healthier and environmentally conscious alternatives. This increased demand makes organic ethanol a valuable asset for brands looking to stay ahead in these markets.
Quality and Sensory Differences
When comparing organic to conventional ethanol, differences in taste and aroma are often subtle but can impact the final product’s profile, especially in the beverage sector. Organic ethanol produced from grain, cane, or grape often carries unique, nuanced flavours that can enhance high-quality spirits like vodka and rum. Some brands find that organic ethanol’s sensory qualities add authenticity and a more natural feel to their products, giving them an edge in premium markets.
It’s worth noting that quality extends beyond flavour—organic ethanol undergoes stricter oversight in its production and processing, which can improve purity and consistency. While the difference may be less apparent in cosmetics or perfumes, this commitment to quality makes organic ethanol an attractive choice across sectors.
Storage and Handling of Organic Ethanol
Proper storage and handling of organic ethanol are crucial to preserving its quality and organic certification. Certified organic ethanol must be kept separate from non-organic products, particularly if stored in facilities that handle both. This includes dedicated storage tanks, pipelines, and transport containers to prevent any risk of cross-contamination.
At Ethimex, we take special care to store and transport organic ethanol in isolated conditions that maintain its purity. Initial flushing of equipment with organic ethanol is often necessary before filling tanks, ensuring that the final product meets organic standards. For best results, storage areas should be cool, dry, and free from exposure to direct sunlight, which could degrade ethanol over time.
If you’d like to explore more about handling practices, you might find our article on ethanol shrinkage insightful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Organic Ethanol
Why is organic ethanol more expensive?
The cost of organic ethanol is higher due to the strict controls in farming, processing, and storage. Organic crops require more labour-intensive methods to manage pests and weeds, and organic certification itself involves added fees and audits that impact the final price.
Can organic ethanol be used in perfumes?
Yes, organic ethanol is a popular choice in perfumes for its purity and eco-friendly appeal. It offers a neutral base that allows the true character of botanical and aromatic ingredients to shine through, making it ideal for high-quality fragrance products.How is organic certification maintained through transport and storage?
Organic certification standards mandate separate storage and dedicated transport for organic ethanol. Any equipment used must be thoroughly cleaned, often with an initial batch of organic ethanol, to avoid cross-contamination with non-organic products.
Buying Organic Ethanol
The term “organic” has been co-opted by some as a marketing buzzword, simply slapped on labels to catch the consumer’s eyes so it’s important to pay close attention to the wording as the product may not be as organic as it seems. Does it say 100% organic or “made with organic ingredients”? there is a big difference between the two. However, it’s not just tricky wording on finished packaged goods that consumers need to be aware of. Buyers of bulk organic ethanol need to also pay close attention to the organic alcohol suppliers, who may choose to do a little word-play on their products.
Organic ethanol from Ethimex has been certified by Soil Association, USDA, ECO Certs, among other certifying bodies, which only award the certification to products that are 100% organic across its process. To get awarded organic certification, not only does the raw material need to be grown under organic conditions but the processing, storing and any other process in the manufacture and supply chain has to follow organic practices. This means that the distillery and transporters need to have organic certifications.
If a factory also processes non-organic products, the production of organic ethanol is isolated from the standard product. For the production of ethanol, often, for the first part of the production, a batch of the organic ethanol will be used to first “clean” and flush the equipment involved and the batch used will be considered as non-organic. In this case, organic ethanol will typically be produce in large batches and stored appropriately.
Our organic ethanol selection includes organic alcohol made from grain (wheat and rye), sugarcane, and organic wine (or grapes). Ethimex can also supply you with organic botanicals and organic spirits such as rum, vodka, or gin, ready for blending or ageing.
See our Specially Certified Alcohol product page for more information or ask one of our experts any questions you may have about organic ethanol.
*Disclaimer: while organic alcohol will contain artificial pesticides and additives this does not make it “health product” not does it make a healthier product compared to non-organic alcohol. Please follow responsible drinking and consumption practices.
