Bioethanol is being promoted as a fuel by many countries due to the increasing significance of climate issues, high petrol prices and energy independence efforts. As a result, the worldwide production of bioethanol tripled between 2002 and 2008. Bioethanol is produced in approximately 75 countries, with the United States and Brazil accounting for around 90% of the total production. In emerging and developing countries, bioethanol is an important growth market that also provides many jobs.

In Switzerland, bioethanol has been exempt from the mineral oil duty, under certain conditions, since 1 July 2008. Similarly, the Confederation no longer has an import monopoly. The objective is to reduce CO2 emissions and air pollution caused by road traffic.

It is estimated that Switzerland's medium-term bioethanol potential is 200 million litres p.a., which corresponds to blending 5% bioethanol with petrol nationwide, and reducing CO2 emissions by 0.47 million tonnes a year, i.e. 1% of Switzerland's total emissions. At present, approximately 4 million litres of bioethanol are sold at a cost of CHF 5 million, which represents just under 0.1% of the total petrol turnover. Over 180 service stations sell bioethanol in the form of either E5 fuel (a blend of petrol with 5% bioethanol) or E85 fuel (85% bioethanol).