Bank Sarasin criticizes ethanol from a sustainable development perspective.
Renowned for its analyzes on the sustainable development of economic sectors, Banque Sarasin (BSAN.S) is studying biofuels, including ethanol, a form of alcohol produced by fermentation of natural sugars. The theme is hot: Switzerland opened Thursday, in Winterthur, its first petrol station equipped with bioethanol (price per liter 20% lower than unleaded petrol). And the IPOs of the main producers are increasing in the United States.
Fertilizers and pesticides
From a sustainable development perspective, the sector reveals obvious strengths, but Matthias Fawer takes a long look at its weaknesses. He displays such great restraint towards him that the prefix of bio ends up surprising. The bank highlights the overexploitation of crops, through the increased use of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the risk of deforestation. She criticizes the competition for cultivable areas with the food industry: 50% of rapeseed is already used for the production of biodiesel. The prices of certain food products are already on the rise, in particular those of vegetable oils. Social and environmental conditions, described as "critical" in developing countries, reinforce the fears of the bank, as well as the use of GMOs (genetically modified organisms). Indeed experts speak of the development of "energy plants".