Construction waste to aviation fuel as Sumitomo Forestry and Rengo launch bioethanol venture

Sumitomo Forestry and Rengo announced on April 1st the establishment of RS Wood Refinery, a joint venture that will produce bioethanol, a feedstock used in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), using wood-based construction waste generated in Japan.

RS Wood Refinery will manufacture and sell bioethanol using construction byproducts such as wood waste generated during housing construction, renovation, and demolition projects within the Sumitomo Forestry Group.

Production will take place at a new plant to be built within the grounds of a Rengo Group paper mill, where Rengo will apply its biomass chemical technologies to convert wood-based materials into bioethanol.

Rengo Group Second-Generation Bioethanol Test Plant courtesy of Sumitomo Forestry press release linked at the bottom of this article.

The bioethanol produced will be sold to petroleum distributors, who will convert it into SAF for use as aviation fuel. The companies are targeting annual production of approximately 20,000 kiloliters by 2028.

The project also includes a broader biorefinery initiative. Lignin separated during the bioethanol manufacturing process will be utilized in the development of biomass-derived products, including raw materials for residential paints and other building-related materials.

Under the partnership structure, Sumitomo Forestry will secure raw material supply from its nationwide housing operations and participate in the joint development and sales of biorefinery products, while Rengo will oversee bioethanol production.

Graphic courtesy of Sumitomo Forestry, edited by Patience Realty.

The venture reflects growing efforts in Japan to expand domestic supply chains for SAF as the aviation industry accelerates decarbonization. Unlike existing SAF pathways that rely on feedstocks such as waste cooking oil, corn, or sugarcane, wood-based biomass from construction waste does not compete with food resources and offers a stable alternative feedstock.

The initiative also aligns with Sumitomo Forestry’s Mission TREEING 2030 strategy and its “Wood Cycle” concept, which aims to maximize the value of timber resources while supporting the transition from fossil fuels to renewable biofuels.

Sources:

R.E. Port News (Japanese only)

Sumitomo Forestry Press Release (Japanese only)