• 300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006, USA

Our Refinery

LifeLine Biofuels is a 50-million-gallon-per-year (MGY) ethanol biorefinery located in St. Joseph, Missouri. Built in 2006, the facility began ethanol production in October 2007, leveraging the adjacent Lifeline Foods facility’s starch stream to produce renewable fuels and other value-added products.

 

LifeLine Biofuels has consistently been a leader in innovation, serving as a first adopter of numerous feed separation technologies. The facility has pioneered the production of animal feed, catering to diverse livestock needs and supporting the agricultural industry with high-quality solutions.

Today, LifeLine Biofuels produces ethanol, wet and dry distillers grains, distillers corn syrup, high-quality corn oil, and carbon dioxide (CO   ). These products support livestock feed markets and renewable energy initiatives, reflecting the facility’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.

Ethanol is a renewable biofuel produced through the fermentation of corn starch. It is primarily used as a cleaner-burning alternative to gasoline, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Ethanol is a versatile fuel that supports energy independence, sustainability, and the agricultural economy by providing a market for corn.

Distillers corn oil (DCO) is a high-value oil extracted during ethanol production. It is widely used as an ingredient in biodiesel and renewable diesel production, as well as in livestock feed for its high-energy properties. Its production also enhances the overall efficiency of corn utilization, contributing to the sustainability of ethanol biorefineries.

Distillers grains are a nutrient-rich, animal feed ingredient. Made from corn, they are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and energy for livestock, particularly cattle. It is also used for dairy, swine, poultry and aquaculture.

Available in wet or dry forms, distillers grains provide a sustainable and economical feed option for farmers while supporting the efficient use of corn biorefining.

Condensed distillers solubles (CDS), often referred to as “distillers syrup,” is a feed product rich in nutrients such as protein, fat, and minerals. It is commonly used as a high-energy feed ingredient for livestock. It can be added to feed formulations or blended with distillers grains, enhancing the nutritional value and palatability. CDS comes with freight limitations due to excess water content, which may restrict its use to local applications.

Carbon dioxide (CO) is a valuable byproduct of the ethanol production process, captured during the fermentation stage. This CO can be purified and sold for various commercial applications, such as beverage carbonation, dry ice production, and industrial uses.