Pioneering Certification for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Feedstock
Bunge Brazil has achieved a significant milestone in the global effort to decarbonize aviation by securing the world's first certification for soybeans destined for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production under the rigorous ISCC CORSIA PLUS protocol. The certification, announced in late December 2025, was granted to Bunge Global SA's soybean crush facility in Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
This landmark achievement includes the ISCC CORSIA PLUS Low-LUC seal, verifying that the certified soybeans carry a low risk of indirect land-use change (LUC). This means the production is not associated with new agricultural area expansion but rather with improved management and productivity practices on existing cultivated land.
Rigorous Standards and Traceability
The certification, issued by SCS Global Services, aligns with the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standards for biofuel feedstocks and is recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It mandates rigorous sustainability standards based on traceability and agricultural practices. These include commitments to zero-deforestation, the promotion of regenerative agriculture, and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the supply chain.
Initially, an estimated 100,000 tonnes of soybeans from Bunge's operations in Mato Grosso and Goiás will be certified. These volumes are intended to support SAF producers, including Brazilian airlines and international refiners, in their pursuit of net-zero flights by 2050. The certified soybeans also meet the thresholds of the EU Deforestation Regulation, which will come into effect in 2026.
Implications for Brazil and the Global SAF Market
Pamela Moreira, Bunge's Sustainability Director for South America, emphasized the significance of this certification. 'This certification demonstrates that it is possible to produce soybeans sustainably and with low emissions, meeting the most demanding international criteria,' Moreira stated. She added that 'Brazil's vast productive potential and advanced agricultural techniques represent significant potential to contribute to the energy transition.'
The certification positions Brazil as a crucial player in the burgeoning global SAF market. Demand for SAF is experiencing a significant surge, driven in part by ICAO's CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) program, which encourages the use of renewable fuels in global air transportation. Brazil has set an ambitious target of achieving a 5% SAF blend by 2030, further highlighting the country's commitment to sustainable aviation.
Advancing Sustainable Practices
Bunge's initiative builds upon its broader efforts in sustainable agriculture. The company has been actively working on achieving 100% traceability and monitoring of its direct and indirect soy purchases in priority regions of Brazil's Cerrado biome, aiming for a zero-deforestation soy supply chain by 2025. This latest certification reinforces Bunge's role in connecting verified, traceable agricultural production with markets seeking to reduce emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future for the aviation industry.
5 Comments
Eric Cartman
While this certification is a positive step towards reducing emissions in aviation, we must ensure these standards are rigorously enforced and expanded beyond a single facility to have a real global impact.
Kyle Broflovski
While the low-LUC seal is promising for preventing new deforestation, the history of land use change in Brazil means that continued vigilance and transparent monitoring will be critical to avoid unintended consequences.
Stan Marsh
Another 'green' label for corporate PR. Don't believe the hype, real change is slow.
Kyle Broflovski
This certification is a welcome development for traceability and sustainability in the supply chain, yet the sheer volume of aviation emissions means that SAF alone won't solve the climate crisis without significant reductions in air travel overall.
Katchuka
Zero-deforestation and regenerative agriculture, that's the standard we should all be aiming for.