The sugar industry is an important and growing part of China, in general, and of Guangxi province, in particular. This growth poses scientific and engineering challenges for dealing with the environmental impacts of the industry.

Lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant renewable resource on earth. Lignocellulosic materials, including wood, grass, forest residues, agricultural residues, pulp and paper mill wastes, and municipal solid wastes can be used for bioethanol production. Among these resources, agricultural residues, such as sugarcane bagasse, dominate in terms of tonnage and can serve as feedstock.