Waste Cooking Oil from Yokohama Facilities to Contribute to Cleaner Aviation
Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has announced its participation in the innovative “Fry to Fly Project,” a collaborative effort aimed at decarbonising the aviation industry by recycling domestic waste resources. Starting in August 2024, Yokohama Rubber has joined forces with 143 other companies and organisations under the leadership of JGC Holdings Corporation to help power the airline industry with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced from waste cooking oil.
This marks the first time a company in the rubber products manufacturing sector has taken part in the project, showcasing Yokohama Rubber's forward-thinking approach to sustainability and climate change mitigation.
The "Fry to Fly Project" focuses on collecting waste cooking oil from companies and households, repurposing it into SAF, an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional jet fuel. SAF can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle, compared to traditional fossil-based aviation fuels. With the Japanese government targeting SAF to account for 10% of all aviation fuel by 2030, this project aligns with national efforts to decarbonise air travel.
Yokohama Rubber contributes to the project by providing waste cooking oil from its employee cafeterias at the company’s headquarters and factory in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. The company also plans to extend its participation by including more of its domestic facilities in the future.
Yokohama Rubber’s decision to join the "Fry to Fly Project" aligns closely with its sustainability goals and its declared focus on contributing to a decarbonised and recycling-oriented society. Under its sustainability slogan “Caring for the Future,” the company is dedicated to addressing critical social issues through its business operations.
The firm’s involvement in the aviation sector also played a role in its decision to join the project. Yokohama Rubber produces key components for commercial aircraft, including drinking water tanks and cabin interior elements, creating a natural synergy between its industrial activities and the project’s objectives.
By taking part in the "Fry to Fly Project," Yokohama Rubber is joining a growing movement toward decarbonisation within Japan’s airline industry. The company’s participation not only highlights its commitment to reducing its environmental impact but also demonstrates the potential for diverse industries to collaborate on innovative solutions to climate challenges.
As more companies join the initiative, the production of SAF from waste cooking oil and other domestic resources is expected to increase, helping Japan move closer to its climate goals while promoting resource efficiency and circular economy principles.
For more information on Yokohama Rubber’s sustainability initiatives, visit https://www.y-yokohama.com/global/
