Sugarcane has been used as feedstock for production of ethanol on a large scale basis in Brazil for over three decades, where most of the sugarcane mills produce sugar, ethanol and electricity. In this study the technologies usually employed in sugarcane mills in Brazil are briefly described, along with opportunities for process improvements and suggestions for the future of the sugarcane industry. These technologies and improvements can be improved, adapted and replicated to other countries using new technologies and alternative feedstock throughout the world.