Collaborative Campaign in Tokyo to Expand Household Cooking Oil Collection for Aviation Fuel

Expanding Household Cooking Oil Collection in Tokyo

In a significant development towards sustainability, JGC Holdings, Cosmo Oil, and Revo International have initiated collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to enhance the collection of household cooking oil, pivoting around the upcoming World Athletics Championships 2025. This initiative aims to link the efforts of oil collection campaigns with the efficient production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

On May 2, 2025, the Tokyo government will officially launch the "Household Oil Collection Campaign." This aligns with their larger strategy of promoting recycling and sustainability, highlighted during the World Athletics Championships set to occur in Tokyo in September where approximately 2,000 athletes from over 200 nations will gather. The campaign is expected to leverage the interest generated by this international event to raise awareness and increase participation among residents in oil collection efforts.

The collaboration was formalized in August 2023, following the selection of the project in the Tokyo government's initiative to promote used cooking oil recycling. JGC Holdings, Cosmo Oil, and Revo International were chosen for their innovative approaches and commitment to sustainability, marking a significant step closer to achieving zero waste goals within the city.

As part of this project, used cooking oil collected through this campaign will be refined at SAF manufacturing facilities operated by a joint venture formed by the three companies, known as SAFFAIRE SKY ENERGY. The refined oil will be converted into SAF, which will contribute to reducing CO2 emissions produced by aircraft.

The role of each partner in this initiative is clearly defined:

- Tokyo Metropolitan Government will set up collection points at various locations including government buildings and community zones, urging residents to participate actively.
- JGC Holdings will assist in logistics, supplying necessary equipment for the collections.
- Revo International will handle the actual collection process of used cooking oil.
- SAFFAIRE SKY ENERGY will operate the only large-scale SAF production facilities in Japan located in Sakai City, Osaka, processing collected oil into aviation fuel. Finally, Cosmo Oil will distribute this SAF to airlines, with part of it anticipated to be utilized at Haneda Airport.

The project is slated to run from May 2, 2025, to October 31, 2025, and aims to collect used cooking oil at about 80 designated locations throughout the city. The detailed list of these collection points will be available on the Tokyo Environmental Bureau's website.

Significance of the Initiative

This collaborative effort is part of a broader vision to pioneer the SAF supply chain in Japan, an endeavor that began in 2020 and evolved significantly over the years. With the establishment of SAFFAIRE SKY ENERGY in November 2022, these companies are set to construct production facilities capable of producing approximately 30,000 kiloliters of SAF each year by December 2024.

Obtaining international certifications like ISCC CORSIA and ISCC EU, ensures that the SAF produced complies with global sustainability standards, marking a milestone for indigenous fuel production in Japan. This movement aims not only to enhance the ecological footprint of aviation but also to foster a culture of recycling and sustainability among the residents of Tokyo, showcasing a replicable model for global communities.

Through educational activities, engagements at events, and continuous outreach regarding the benefits of used cooking oil recycling, JGC Holdings, Cosmo Oil, and Revo International will actively work to educate the public from August 2023 to March 2026. They hope to build a robust awareness that will stimulate participation and foster a sustainable society for future generations. By actively involving the community, this initiative aims to create a comprehensive support system for promoting the understanding and importance of recycling used cooking oil, effectively bridging the gap between local community actions and global environmental impact.

In conclusion, Tokyo’s innovative approach to utilized cooking oil combined with the international spotlight during the World Athletics Championships presents a prime opportunity for environmental consciousness to take center stage and encourages all participating residents to play their part in fostering a sustainable future.