Boeing commits $1 million towards Brazilian RSB-certified feedstock production for sustainable aviation fuel
Thu 20 June 2019 – Boeing has announced a $1 million investment in the Brazilian bioeconomy that will focus on identifying suitable feedstocks and supporting small-scale farmers achieve Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) certification for the production of biomass for conversion into sustainable aviation fuels. The aircraft manufacturer says its collaboration with RSB intends to maximise environmental, social and economic benefits, and ensure best-in-class sustainability standards in the country. RSB will be working with WWF to ensure sustainability in feedstock options and farming practices in order to increase the capacity for sustainable fuel production for the aviation sector. The Boeing investment is additional to the ‘Fuelling the Sustainable Bioeconomy’ project – a partnership between RSB and WWF, and powered by Boeing’s Global Engagement portfolio.
“Brazil is a biofuel powerhouse and we believe this leadership can also translate into benefits for small farmers and communities who are at the forefront of the multi-feedstock supply chain that can support biojet fuel production in the country,” commented Marc Allen, Boeing SVP and President of Embraer Partnership & Group Operations.
The company said the investment would help to grow an industry that creates jobs and boosts the Brazilian economy without negatively impacting food security, biodiversity, land access or water rights and security.
As a key member of RSB and supporter of its sustainability standards, Boeing has collaborated with RSB and WWF on various projects over the last six years. The ‘Fuelling the Sustainable Bioeconomy’ three-year project now underway provides guidance on the sustainability of alternative fuels and aims to bring together relevant stakeholders and policymakers to help direct investment, market development and further research to support the emergence of a sustainable bioeconomy.
In addition to Brazil, the project will also operate in Ethiopia and South Africa – countries identified to be of key importance given their rapidly growing commercial aviation sectors and potential to produce significant volumes of feedstocks.
“Boeing’s commitment to ensuring real and credible sustainability in the growing bioeconomy has seen them play a hands-on role in Brazil and beyond for many years,” said Rolf Hogan, RSB’s Executive Director. “This new piece in the puzzle reaffirms that commitment and we are looking forward to working with farmers, business, industry, government and other stakeholders in shaping this latest investment in growing a strong and sustainable bioeconomy which will create opportunities for all as we win the fight against climate change and environmental degradation.”
