GC Showcases Integrated Biorefinery Turning Waste Oil into SAF

Pictures courtesy of InsideThailand

PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) has outlined the commercial progress of its integrated biorefinery, demonstrating how used cooking oil is being converted into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and high-value bio-based products, with implications for Thailand’s Net Zero ambitions. The initiative highlights an operational model that links carbon reduction with economic value creation and industrial scalability.

The update was presented at the Sustainability Spark by PTT Group 2026 event in Bangkok on 27 January 2025. GC positioned the biorefinery as a practical response to global pressure on industries, particularly aviation, to cut greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining cost efficiency and long-term growth potential.

GC is Thailand’s first producer of SAF at commercial scale, using co-processing technology at an upgraded existing refinery rather than building a new facility. The process converts used cooking oil into SAF and bio-based feedstocks, reducing investment costs and development time, while meeting international sustainability certification under ISCC CORSIA, which is recognised across the global aviation sector.

According to GC, the SAF produced can cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 85% compared with conventional jet fuel. Initial production capacity stands at 6 million litres per year, with plans to expand to 24 million litres annually, a scale expected to reduce emissions by around 60,000 tonnes per year.

Beyond SAF, the biorefinery can produce more than 10 types of high-value bio-chemicals and bio-plastics, including Bio-Propylene, Bio-Butadiene and Bio-PTA. These materials are designed to match the performance of fossil-based products while delivering significantly lower carbon footprints.

GC chief operating officer for upstream and intermediate chemicals, Pakpong Wangrattanusophon, said used cooking oil, once treated as waste, can be transformed into SAF and materials such as Bio-Circular Polypropylene, which can be used in food packaging, nappies and industrial goods and recycled in the future. He said the approach reduces reliance on petroleum feedstocks and supports Thailand’s Net Zero target.

Thailand’s Department of Energy Business has mandated a 1% SAF blending requirement for aviation fuel from 1 January 2026, with a roadmap to increase blending to 5–8% from 2033. GC said it is ready to support this policy through expanded production and partnerships.

GC is also collaborating with HMC Polymers to produce ISCC PLUS-certified Bio-Circular Polypropylene with full traceability, enabling everyday recyclable products. Separately, GC’s “From Kitchen to Plane” pilot in Rayong collected 7.09 tonnes of used cooking oil between August and October 2025, producing 1.75 tonnes of SAF, generating community income and cutting emissions by 5,654 kilograms of CO₂ equivalent. The project has since expanded to more than 40 locations nationwide, with support from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.

Key Takeaways

• GC has commercialised Thailand’s first SAF production using used cooking oil and co-processing technology.

• The integrated biorefinery combines carbon reduction with scalable, high-value bio-based products.

• National SAF blending mandates are expected to drive further expansion and partnerships.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from InsideThailand 2026-01-28