Amazon has announced a new investment in biotechnology company GranBio to help develop and commercialise technology to use forestry residues and construction waste to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The investment is based on scaling solutions that may contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions from transportation and other operational activities.

It showcases the increasing initiatives for the expansion of renewable fuels, biofuels technology and low carbon aviation solutions, as industries seek alternatives to fossil fuels. The technology developed by GranBio is designed to convert waste materials into fuel that can be utilized in the existing aviation and transport sector.

Focuses on waste-based fuel technology.

The investment is part of Amazon's efforts to explore and pilot new technologies that can reduce emissions throughout its entire operations, such as in its transportation, buildings, and packaging services.

There are obviously not many choices for low-carbon fuels in aviation, and the one option that does exist is not large-scale, says Andreas Marschner, Vice President of Worldwide Operations Sustainability at Amazon. In the event that GranBio's process can be scaled-up, it might also serve to transform inexpensive waste materials into so-called drop-in fuels that could be used throughout industry, he added.

A Biomass Conversion Approach is being developed by GranBio.

GranBio was established in 2011, with a mission to create technologies for the production of renewable fuels and biobased products from biomass residues. The company employs forestry residues, agricultural wastes and domestic wastes like discarded wood from construction sites and loggers.

The process uses the carbon that is stored in fibers from plants, and transforms it into fuel molecules that are similar to those in conventional diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel. It also yields a byproduct which can be used for heat production at the plant, thereby lowering the extra energy demands.

Sustainable agricultural production plans and industry applications.

GranBio's renewable fuels include renewable aviation fuel (SAF), renewable diesel and renewable gasoline. These fuels are intended to fit into existing engines and systems, and may be used in aviation and ground transportation existing systems without any significant modification.

The company will increase production of sustainable aviation fuel over the coming decade by turning existing pulp and paper facilities in the USA into next-generation biorefineries. The expansion will be developed to expand the production capacity and utilize the existing industrial facilities.

GranBio gives a spotlight to scaling potential.

Kim Nelson, Chief Technology Officer at GranBio, said the collaboration with Amazon would help to prove that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) made from forest and construction waste could be a viable, scalable way to lower emissions in air transport.

GranBio said its technology is based on materials that are not being utilized and that help to produce cleaner energy sources while creating new industrial opportunities in rural areas.