On August 1, renewable fuel producer EcoCeres Inc. announced a partnership with Xiamen Airlines to jointly promote the localized collection and production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The two parties will leverage EcoCeres’ existing supply chain network to collect used cooking oil (UCO) from selected restaurant partners and transport it to EcoCeres’ production facilities, where it will be processed into high-quality SAF.

The collaboration aims to advance the circular economy concept of “turning waste into energy” by transforming used cooking oil into aviation fuel—effectively improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental pollution. According to EcoCeres, SAF produced from waste oil can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fossil-based jet fuel, making it a significant step toward decarbonizing the aviation industry.

In addition, the project strengthens the localized and sustainable supply chain for aviation fuel, contributing to a more resilient green aviation ecosystem. EcoCeres CEO Matti Lievonen stated, “Partnering with Xiamen Airlines enables us to scale up the production of SAF from waste materials more rapidly and further support the aviation industry’s transition toward net-zero emissions.”

This partnership not only reflects the integration of environmental innovation and aviation but also offers a replicable and scalable model for the future development of the SAF industry in China.