Non-Fuel Uses
A fuel tank isn't the only place where ethanol is put to good use. It has a number of industrial applications and is used in beverages. The two processes - making ethanol for fuel and making it for industrial and beverage purposes - are similar, but separate. Industrial and beverage ethanol is produced by a certified Distilled Spirits Plant. Here are some familiar products that may contain or use ethanol in manufacturing:
Industrial ethanol.
Personal care products
- When the label says 'ethyl alcohol", there's ethanol in hairspray, mouthwash, after shave lotion, cologne and perfume; also in deodorants, lotions, hand sanitizers, soaps and shampoos.
Pharmaceuticals
- As a prime carrier, found in medicines such as cough treatments, decongestants, iodine solution, and many others
- As a solvent, used for processing antibiotics, vaccines, tablets, pills, and vitamins
Cleaning products
- A bottle of household disinfectant spray can contain nearly 80 percent ethanol
Other products
- Solvent in the manufacture of paints, lacquer, and explosives
- Raw material in the production of vinegar and yeast
- Chemical intermediate in chemical processing
- Food products like extracts, flavorings, and glazes
- Energy source in some liquid animal feed products
Beverage Ethanol.
The distilling ethanol for human consumption has been going on for centuries. Pure beverage ethanol is manufactured in the form of grain neutral spirits, then sold in bulk to bottlers or other distillers. They blend it or package into familiar, name-brand products that use grain neutral spirits as the volume of the alcohol content:
- Hard lemonades
- Hard Iced teas
- Vodka and other liquors
