How It Works

A world of possibilities

POET utilizes a variety of emerging technologies and sustainable practices to best position the company for continued success in the development and production of plant-based bioproducts. By combining the power of nature with human innovation, we believe every product that comes from a barrel of oil can instead be grown from the surface of the Earth.
A stylized graphic of a corn kernel illustrating the fiber, fat, starch, protein
Nothing is Wasted

The power of the seed

POET utilizes corn grown in America's heartland to produce a wide variety of bioproducts. Corn is processed and separated into biofuel, earth-friendly consumer products, and high-protein animal feed ingredients. Keep scrolling to learn more about the process, products, and how bioprocessing can lead us toward a more sustainable future.

The process:
From seed to biofuel

Creating stability for agriculture

POET's bioproducts provide stability for American farmers by creating a reliable market for their crops, adding value to their grain, and ensuring a steady income for rural communities. Bioprocessing also provides abundant supplies of high-quality, high-protein animal feed that go right back to the farm!

Boosting domestic energy production

We use locally grown corn to produce bioethanol, a cleaner-burning, lower-cost fuel. American-made biofuels support our nation’s energy independence by reducing reliance on foreign oil sources. Our commitment to domestically produced energy strengthens national security while supporting the livelihoods of American farmers and their families.

Reducing harmful emissions

Biofuels play a critical role in replacing harmful chemicals found in traditional gasoline, therefore lowering toxic emissions from the tailpipe. This improves the quality of the air we breathe and helps to protect public health.

Promoting a sustainable future

POET contributes to a healthier planet by supporting Climate-Smart Agricultural (CSA) practices, minimizing environmental impacts, reducing harmful emissions, and creating renewable bioproducts. By offering cleaner, plant-based alternatives to petroleum-based products, we’re promoting a more sustainable future for all.
Sustainable Bioproducts

A world of opportunity

Explore examples of how POET's bioproducts are contributing to a better, cleaner world.

Biofuel

Plant-based, lower-carbon bioethanol is added to most gasoline (ranging from 10-85%).

Aquaculture food

Corn fermented protein and distillers grains are shipped around the world as food for fish and shrimp.

Renewable diesel

A diesel fuel made from distillers corn oil rather than petroleum.

Pet food

A sustainable, high-protein ingredient in pet food made from POET corn fermented protein.

Livestock feed

Distillers grains are a high-quality, nutritious feed for a variety of animal species.

Cleaning products

Purified alcohol is a potent antimicrobial, making it a great cleaning agent.

Food ingredients

Purified alcohol is used in many foods, such as vinegar and ketchup.

Distilled spirits

POET's purified alcohol is so pure it is used as a feedstock for beverage spirits.

Industrial alcohol

Purified alcohol is used in the production of solvents and resins.
Highly-refined distillers corn oil.

Biodiesel

Another diesel fuel made from a variety of vegetable oils and fats, including our distillers corn oil.

Asphalt rejuvenator

Distillers corn oil is used in a greener alternative to petroleum-based asphalt rejuvenators.

Beverage carbonation

Many beverage companies source their bubbles from POET's bioCO2.

Mail Delivered meals

Mail-delivered meals are kept cold with dry ice made from POET's bioCO2.

Biofuels help feed the world

Beginning around 2000, the biofuels industry grew significantly. By soaking up surplus grain, we spurred an agricultural renaissance that provided economic security for farmers worldwide, reduced global undernourishment, and lifted over 1 billion people out of extreme poverty. As seen in the chart below, as biofuels increase, global undernourishment decreases.

The future of zero-carbon bioproducts

The below graphic illustrates many of the carbon intensity (CI) reduction strategies that POET is considering in order to achieve our carbon neutrality goals. In order to maximize efficiencies, each facility will select the technologies that are best suited to their location.

POET's ability to continually improve our processes and implement innovative new technologies across our network is contingent on state and federal policy. The bioproducts industry will require support from policymakers to create incentives that will drive lasting change.
Biofuels 101

Dr. Andrew Randolph

Dr. Andrew Randolph holds a PhD in Combustion Engineering and is a former Technical Racing Fellow for Richard Childress Racing.
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Future of Fuel
Zero Carbon Bioethanol is not only the future of NASCAR, but the future of transportation as a whole.
Green-tinted image of a hand holding a fuel nozzle with text: Future of Fuel and logos of POET and NASCAR.
Going the Extra Mile
Dr. Andrew breaks down the science and economic benefits of bioethanol.
"Going the extra mile" text with blurred NASCAR cars on a racetrack in the green background.
Fuel Like a Pro
Bioethanol is a win for drivers, fans, and your engine.
NASCAR race car and crew at pit stop with text 'Fuel Like a Pro' overlaid in green.
Product & Services

Powering the future with plant-based innovation

Hand grips a green gas pump nozzle.

Bioethanol

An American-made, plant-based fuel that reduces dependence on oil and supports healthy grain markets across the corn belt

A bowl of corn powder

Feed Ingredients

After the bioethanol process, the remaining protein, fiber, and oil is used to create high-quality, nutritious feed products

Row of orange-yellow gel capsules in glass.

Distillers Corn Oil

High-quality feed ingredient and feedstock for biodiesel, inks, paints, and other industry applications

Pouring cola into a glass with ice.

BioCO2 & Dry Ice

POET's efficient bioprocessing allows carbon dioxide to be captured for commercial use, including dry ice

Glass test tubes contain blue liquid.

Purified Alcohol

POET purified alcohol is plant-based and meets the most stringent standards for quality and purity

Corn kernels pouring from a hopper onto a grate

Grain

We buy from local farmers near each POET bioprocessing facility

Industrial site with silos and cranes

Design & Construction

Providing timely and cost-conscious engineering, procurement, and construction services.

POET pellets paddle wagon makes a delivery.

Transportation

Providing safe, dependable, cost-effective transportation logistics and services.

Denaturant & Natural Gas

POET is a dependable supplier of denaturant and natural gas across the U.S. and the world.