Bio-Based Aromatics From Corn Starch and other agricultural residues

Date: February 07, 2024

Country: United Kingdom

Application

• Enables the use of up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in commercial flights without the need for traditional jet fuel.
• Reduces particulate emissions and lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to cleaner and more sustainable air travel.

Description

The project focuses on a breakthrough process developed by Virent and Johnson Matthey to produce bio-based aromatics from corn starch and other agricultural residues for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This innovation enables up to 100% SAF use in commercial flights, including Virgin Atlantic's first trans-Atlantic flight using 100% SAF in November 2023. The process converts plant sugars into aromatic components, overcoming the limitations of conventional SAF blends. It promises cleaner-burning fuel with reduced emissions, advancing the decarbonization of aviation.

 

 

Pathway Description:

The process used is called BioForming, developed by Virent and Johnson Matthey, which converts plant sugars into bio-based aromatics. This process transforms sugars from sources like corn, sugar cane, and wood into BioForm Synthesized Aromatic Kerosene (SAK). The resulting aromatics are then blended with paraffinic SAF components, meeting aviation fuel specifications. This enables the use of 100% SAF in aircraft without needing traditional jet fuel.