Tokyo, Japan – Marubeni Corporation has commenced the first-ever supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) produced using the co-processing pathway within Japan. This milestone event, achieved in collaboration with HD Hyundai Oilbank and All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. (ANA), marks a significant advancement in Japan’s efforts to integrate SAF into its aviation industry.

The SAF, derived from vegetable oil (used cooking oil), was produced by HD Hyundai Oilbank at its refinery in Korea. Marubeni Ennex Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Marubeni, facilitated the supply to ANA at its Chiba terminal. This initiative represents the first use of co-processed SAF in Japan, leveraging a method that combines petroleum-derived and bio-based feedstocks to produce partly bio-derived petroleum products. This approach allows existing refinery units to co-process feedstock without substantial renovations, enabling a more cost-effective and quicker start to SAF production.

“We are proud to lead Japan’s first supply of co-processed SAF, a crucial step in advancing our green strategy and supporting the aviation industry’s transition to sustainable fuels,” said a Marubeni spokesperson.

The aviation industry faces mounting pressure to reduce CO2 emissions, with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) implementing the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). Additionally, the Japanese government aims to increase the SAF blended ratio in aviation fuel to 10% by 2030. Given these targets, the demand for SAF—a promising low-carbon fuel alternative—is expected to grow significantly.

Marubeni’s long-term climate change vision, established in March 2021, positions its green strategy as a core element of its mid-term management strategy, GC2024. By expanding its SAF sales network and supporting the decarbonization of the aviation industry, Marubeni aims to make substantial medium- to long-term contributions to global climate change mitigation efforts.

“We are proud to lead Japan’s first supply of co-processed SAF, a crucial step in advancing our green strategy and supporting the aviation industry’s transition to sustainable fuels,” said a Marubeni spokesperson. “This initiative reflects our commitment to innovative solutions that address climate change and enhance corporate value.”