A new European research project, spearheaded by Graz University of Technology, is exploring the potential of utilizing tomato industry waste to produce eco-friendly jet fuel. The European Union produces millions of tonnes of tomatoes annually. The resulting abundance of discarded stems, seeds and skins presents a costly waste-management challenge. The ToFuel initiative seeks to transform this organic debris into a high-value energy source through advanced biorefinery techniques, aiming for a zero-waste system that lowers the carbon footprint of flight.
By refining pre-treatment methods to make this biomass more accessible for microbial conversion, the project hopes to offer a scalable and affordable alternative to traditional petroleum-based fuels, supporting the continent’s broader climate goals.
Sustainable aviation fuels have the potential to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from aviation by up to 80% over legacy fuels. Business aviation, an incubator for investment and innovation of all kinds, supports policies and other measures to advance the production, availability and use of the fuels.
