Breaking New Ground
Bunge has become the first company in Brazil to secure certification for soybeans destined to produce sustainable aviation fuel under the ISCC CORSIA PLUS programme. The approval covers its Rondonopolis unit in Mato Grosso and demonstrates that mainstream commodity supply chains can meet stringent international criteria for renewable jet feedstocks.
Why the ISCC CORSIA PLUS Label Matters
ISCC CORSIA PLUS goes beyond basic sustainability checks. The Low LUC seal included in the Bunge audit confirms minimal risk of indirect land use change, signalling that increased productivity rather than new farmland can supply rising biofuel demand. This nuance is essential for credibility with regulators and investors.
Good News for Farmers
For soybean growers the certification creates a premium market that rewards efficient farming. Practices such as precision fertiliser application and cover cropping now translate directly into eligibility for SAF contracts. Farmers who document performance with satellite monitoring could see stronger income without expanding their cultivated area.
Implications for Airlines
Airlines will benefit too. A reliable soybean based pathway gives carriers another feedstock option as global mandates move closer. Global aviation consumes around three hundred million tonnes of fuel annually, so every certified plant expands the pool of renewable molecules needed to achieve net zero flight.
Hidden Advantage: Logistics Efficiency
A lesser known advantage concerns transport logistics. Brazilian soy already travels through established ports and rail corridors serving global protein markets. Redirecting a small fraction toward domestic biorefineries could eliminate the need to build entirely new supply chains for SAF, cutting scope three emissions associated with feedstock transport and reducing capital expenditure for infrastructure.
Conclusion
By validating responsible soy as a viable input, the certification brings Brazil and the aviation sector closer together in the climate transition. It showcases how existing crops can fuel innovation when transparency and science guide decision making.