JAL Embarks on Eco-Friendly Journey with Cooking Oil Recycling Initiative

In a pioneering move towards sustainability, Japan Airlines (JAL) has launched an innovative project in Yokohama City to collect used cooking oil from households, transforming it into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This initiative, part of the "FRY to FLY Project," aims to leverage domestic resource recycling to foster a decarbonized society. Starting March 2024, the collection will begin at AEON Food Style Kamoi store, operated by Daiei, marking a significant step in JAL's commitment to environmental stewardship.

The process involves citizens collecting their used cooking oil in dedicated bottles and depositing it at collection points in participating stores. This oil will then be transported to manufacturing plants to be processed into SAF, with the goal of reducing CO2 emissions. Initially, until 2025, the collected oil will serve as feedstock for biodiesel, transitioning to SAF production thereafter.

JAL's vision extends beyond this project, with ambitions to replace 1% of its total fuel consumption with SAF by 2025 and 10% by 2030. The airline is actively engaging in domestic and international SAF procurement, supporting the development and commercialization of locally produced SAF. This includes the construction of Japan’s first SAF manufacturing plant in Sakai City, Osaka, set to commence operations by 2025.

This initiative not only underscores JAL's leadership in the aviation industry's shift towards sustainability but also highlights the potential of community involvement in achieving environmental goals. As JAL expands this project nationwide, it sets a precedent for the recycling of household waste into valuable resources, paving the way for a greener future in air travel.