PETALING JAYA: Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is fast emerging as a critical pathway for decarbonising aviation and shipping, with industry players racing to scale supply ahead of tightening 2030 and 2050 climate targets.
EcoCeres general manager of operations Roslan Ismail said aviation remains one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise, leaving SAF as the most practical near-term solution as airlines and regulators push for lower emissions.
“Aviation has limited alternatives to liquid fuels in the near term. SAF helps bridge the gap between long-term decarbonisation goals and current operational realities,” he told SunBiz in an exclusive interview.
Roslan noted that with global airlines already committing to SAF blending targets by 2030 supply constraints remain a key bottleneck, underscoring the urgency to expand production capacity.
SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared with conventional jet fuel, making it a “key enabler” not only for aviation but also for other hard-to-abate sectors such as shipping and heavy transport.
For Malaysia, the stakes are rising as its aviation hubs continue to see growing passenger and cargo traffic.
The push towards SAF is expected to shape the country’s broader energy transition while reinforcing its role in regional logistics.
EcoCeres is betting on waste-based feedstocks to tackle one of the industry’s biggest challenges – cost and scalability.
Its production model converts waste and residue materials into SAF using hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (Hefa) technology, a certified pathway that allows fuels to be used within existing aircraft engines and infrastructure without major modifications.
Roslan explained that relying on waste feedstocks such as used cooking oil and industrial residues reduces exposure to volatile and food-linked raw materials, which have historically driven up biofuel costs.
“Hefa offers higher conversion efficiency and consistent fuel quality, supporting more predictable production at scale,” he said, adding that integration into global SAF supply chains improves long-term economic viability.
Central to this strategy is EcoCeres’ facility in Tanjung Langsat, Pasir Gudang, Johor, which serves as a cornerstone of its regional expansion.
With a licensed production capacity of 350,000 tonnes per year, the plant is positioned within a key industrial and logistics hub, offering strong connectivity to ports and regional markets.
Roslan described Malaysia as a strategic base for the company’s wider Asia decarbonisation ambitions, citing its access to suitable waste feedstocks, supportive policy direction and export capabilities.
“Facilities like Pasir Gudang help build capability, confidence and supply readiness as Asia progresses towards its climate and energy transition goals,” he said.
Beyond fuel production, SAF development is expected to have spillover effects across Malaysia’s green economy.
In the near term, increased SAF availability could help airlines meet tightening emissions requirements without overhauling existing infrastructure, easing the transition towards more sustainable operations.
At the same time, Roslan pointed to job creation and ecosystem development as key benefits, particularly in areas such as feedstock collection, logistics and specialised technical services.
“This supports the foundations of a circular economy, where waste streams are repurposed into higher-value, low-carbon products,” he said.
EcoCeres’ broader model aligns with this vision, converting waste such as used cooking oil and palm oil mill effluent into SAF, hydrotreated vegetable oil and renewable naphtha under its “Turn Waste to Wonders” approach.
By focusing on underutilised resources, the company aims to extend the lifecycle of existing materials while avoiding competition with food supply chains. Over time, this could catalyse the development of supporting industries, from waste collection networks to advanced processing capabilities, strengthening Malaysia’s position in the regional bioeconomy.
However, Roslan stressed that scaling SAF adoption will depend heavily on policy clarity and industry collaboration.
He called for robust regulatory frameworks that cover sustainability criteria, certification standards, and incentives to provide confidence for long-term investment.
Equally important is alignment with international standards, given the cross-border nature of aviation and shipping.
“Collaboration across the value chain is critical, from fuel producers and airlines to airports, logistics providers and regulators,” Roslan said.
Such partnerships would support offtake agreements, infrastructure readiness and operational integration, while ensuring a steady supply of feedstocks through improved collection systems.
Roslan believes SAF can play a meaningful, if gradual, role a Malaysia advances its energy transition agenda, including under the National Energy Transition Roadmap.
“The impact will take time, but SAF can help build momentum and position Malaysia as a credible participant in the regional energy transition,” he said.
