EcoCeres Inc. has partnered with the Second Research Institute of Civil Aviation Administration of China (CASRI), China National Aviation Fuel Group (CNAF), and several major airlines to launch a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) pilot programme. This initiative, known as “Project Spark”, successfully established a closed-loop green value chain on 16 March, when multiple commercial flights at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport were refuelled with SAF produced at EcoCeres’ Zhangjiagang facility.
The pilot marks a significant milestone in the development of China’s independent sustainability certification and environmental credit framework. Utilising the “AnchorTrace” platform, the partners demonstrated the compliant transfer of environmental credits, allowing for the registration and retirement of Scope 3 emissions. The programme also trialled a model where the “green premium” costs of SAF are shared among multiple stakeholders, aiming to address financial bottlenecks that often hinder the large-scale deployment of renewable fuels.
EcoCeres produces its SAF from waste and residue feedstocks, which can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional jet fuel. By integrating this fuel into existing infrastructure, the collaboration intends to prove that decarbonisation can be achieved without compromising operational safety or efficiency. The project follows EcoCeres’ established role as a supplier to international carriers including British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas.
“Launching this SAF pilot program in China together with such influential partners is a proud moment for EcoCeres and a powerful signal for the future of sustainable aviation,” said Matti Lievonen, CEO of EcoCeres. “By combining our waste‑to‑fuel technology with the scale and expertise of leading aviation fuel and airline ecosystems, we are turning climate ambition into practical action.”
