From Hotpot to High Altitudes: Chengdu's Sichuan Jinshang Environmental Protection Technology Co. Transforms Leftover Steamboat Oil into Sustainable Jet Fuel
Explore the intersection of culinary ingenuity and environmental sustainability as this innovative Chinese company transforms hotpot residue into a cutting-edge solution for aviation fuel.
21 January 2024
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Photo Credit: Artturi Jalli on Unsplash
Nestled in Chengdu’s heart, Sichuan Jinshang Environmental Protection Technology Co. redefines waste by transmuting hotpot oil remnants into a profound resource. Collected used hotpot oil, often disregarded, undergoes a sophisticated refining process. What emerges isn’t just any fuel – it’s a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) poised to reshape the future of flight.
Processing approximately 150,000 tons of discarded hotpot oil annually from Chengdu restaurants alone, Sichuan Jinshang Environmental Protection has carved a niche by converting oily waste into aviation fuel for export.
“Our motto is, let oil from the gutter soar in the sky,” Ye Bin, the company’s general manager, told AFP, as reported by Today Online.
Photo Credit: Envato Elements
Mr Ye said his company, which launched in 2017 processed industrial-grade oil from a combination of hotpot restaurants and other eateries across Chengdu, including KFC outlets. On a typical night, collectors hired by Jinshang visit hundreds of these restaurants around the southwestern metropolis.
Photo Credit:Envato Elements
A pivotal step in this journey is Sichuan Jinshang’s collaboration with Honeywell, a global leader in sustainable development. Announced in April 2022, the partnership signifies a monumental leap with plans to construct a 300,000-ton-per-year SAF production facility in Suining, Sichuan Province, China. This strategic alliance aims to expand SAF production capacity, concurrently reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable development in China’s aviation industry.
Henry Liu, Vice-President and General Manager of Honeywell Performance Materials and Technologies Asia-Pacific, emphasises Honeywell’s dedication to sustainability. “About 60 per cent of Honeywell’s investment in new product introduction research and development is directed towards products that improve environmental and social outcomes for customers,” Liu stated. “We are committed to promoting sustainable development with Chinese partners to build a more sustainable future.”
Rigorous testing ensures the converted hotpot oil meets stringent aviation fuel standards, underscoring Sichuan Jinshang’s commitment to quality. This breakthrough not only reduces carbon footprints but also challenges modern perceptions of what constitutes ‘waste.’
Photo Credit: Honeywell
Economically, the venture contributes to local development by utilising a readily available waste stream. Sichuan Jinshang’s model establishes a closed-loop system where discarded hotpot oil becomes a valuable resource, promoting sustainability and economic self-sufficiency within the community.
Beyond the economic impact, Sichuan Jinshang’s hotpot oil-to-jet fuel process exemplifies the power of creative thinking in addressing global challenges. The circular economy gains prominence as industries seek innovative solutions for waste management and sustainable energy production.
This pioneering initiative prompts reflection on up-cycling and waste repurposing. By redefining waste materials as valuable resources, Sichuan Jinshang leads a mindset shift crucial for fostering a more sustainable and circular approach across various sectors.
Photo Credit: Peijia Li on Unsplash
As the world strives to meet ambitious sustainability goals, Sichuan Jinshang’s culinary alchemy serves as a beacon of inspiration. The intersection of culinary traditions, environmental consciousness, and technological innovation exemplifies the multifaceted nature of addressing today’s complex challenges.
According to industry reports, China’s aviation sector has seen a significant increase in carbon emissions over the years, prompting a pressing need for sustainable alternatives. Recent data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) indicates that carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the global aviation industry reached approximately 682 million metric tons at current rates – meaning SAF and low carbon aviation fuel (LCAF) need to abate some 34 million tons of CO2. This stark reality underscores the urgency to adopt eco-friendly aviation fuels, making initiatives like Sichuan Jinshang’s and Honeywell’s collaboration pivotal in addressing the industry’s environmental impact.
Photo Credit: (L) Joshua Sukoffi on Unsplash (R) Envato Elements
Sichuan Jinshang’s venture, augmented by Honeywell’s technological prowess, goes beyond mere culinary innovation. It symbolises a holistic approach to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. The hotpot oil-to-jet fuel journey, now powered by Honeywell’s Ecofining™ technology, stands as a testament to what strategic partnerships can achieve in pushing the boundaries of sustainability.
As China aims to position itself as a global leader in sustainable aviation, this collaboration signifies a step toward reducing the industry’s environmental impact. The fusion of culinary traditions, environmental consciousness, and cutting-edge technology encapsulates a transformative narrative where waste becomes a valuable resource in the pursuit of a greener, more sustainable aviation sector.
Author: Victoria Lim
Victoria Lim is a content writer with a diverse background and her work includes brands such as Capella Hotels and Resorts, Epicure Magazine, HungryGoWhere.com, and Makansutra. Her luxury hospitality, culinary arts, and food journalism expertise have shaped her commitment to sharing stories.
