Michigan's $41M Facility to Convert Dairy Byproduct into Ethanol Breaks Ground

USA 09.08.2024

Source: The DairyNews

The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) and Canadian Dairy Distillery have officially broken ground on a new $41 million ethanol plant in Constantine, Michigan. This state-of-the-art facility, backed by significant investments and partnerships, will convert 14,000 tons of milk permeate—a byproduct of dairy processing—into 2.2 million gallons of ethanol annually.

Michigan's $41M Facility to Convert Dairy Byproduct into Ethanol Breaks Ground

The project, which is expected to be operational by 2025, underscores a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation in the dairy industry. The new facility aims to reduce carbon emissions by 14,500 tons annually, equivalent to 5% of the carbon footprint from milk processed at the Constantine plant.

The initiative received $2.5 million in funding from the Michigan Strategic Fund, with additional financial support from Pathward®, N.A., and CoBank, reflecting the state's dedication to fostering clean energy solutions. MMPA President & CEO Joe Diglio and Dairy Distillery CEO Omid McDonald both emphasized the project's role in advancing environmental sustainability and creating value from dairy byproducts, marking a significant milestone in their sustainability efforts.