Multinational tech conglomerate Honeywell on Monday announced a new ethanol-to-jet fuel (ETJ) processing technology that converts cellulosic or sugar-based ethanol into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The new solution is an effort to meet the rising demand of the global drive for 2030 sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandates. 

The jet fuel produced at Honeywell’s ethanol-to-jet fuel process, depending on the type of ethanol feedstock used, can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80% on a total lifecycle basis. 

Honeywell Sustainable Technology Solutions vice president Barry Glickman says, “Honeywell pioneered SAF production with its ecofining technology and our new ethanol-to-jet fuel process builds on that original innovation to support the global aviation sector’s efforts to reduce GHG emissions. The solution would also meet SAF production targets with an abundant feedstock like ethanol. Honeywell’s ethanol-to-jet process is now ready to provide a pathway to lower carbon-intensity SAF.”

As demand for SAF continues to grow, the aviation industry is still challenged by limited supplies of traditional SAF feedstocks such as animal fats, vegetable oils, and waste oils. The press release stated that Honeywell’s technology would use high-performance catalysts and heat management capabilities to maximize production efficiency; resulting in a cost-effective and lower carbon intensity aviation fuel.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Honeywell primarily operates in four areas of business such as aerospace, performance materials and technologies, building technologies, safety and productivity solutions. Around 60% of the company’s new product introduction research investment is directed toward improving social and environmental outcomes for customers.