The present study aimed to characterize and evaluate the hydrolysis of sisal fibers for ethanol production. Acid hydrolysis of the fiber was performed and main products determined were xylose and glucose. However, xylose and arabinose (pentoses) are not fermented by the conventional yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Prehydrolysis at 105 degrees C was efficient, removing most of the pentoses. The main product formed in acid hydrolysis at 160 degrees C was glucose, which can be metabolized by the yeast S. cerevisiae through alcoholic fermentation. In these conditions ethanol was produced with 92% conversion of initial total reducing sugars (0.47 g/g of ethanol yield). Sisal has potential as a raw material for ethanol production since it is not a food source, has high cellulose content and low biomass cost. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.