Praj Industries Partners with IATA and ISMA to Advance SAF Carbon Certification in India

On 3 June 2025, Praj Industries Limited, along with International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding to develop a robust certification framework for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in India. This move aligns with India’s national aviation decarbonisation goal which targets a 1 percent SAF blending mandate by 2027, and 2 percent by 2028.

The partnership will conduct a detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for SAF derived from sugarcane-based ethanol using the Ethanol-to-Jet (ETJ) pathway. The goal is to calculate an accurate Carbon Intensity (CI) metric, which measures greenhouse gas emissions per unit of energy in grams of CO2 equivalent per megajoule (gCO2e/MJ).

Building a Framework Aligned with Global Standards

The three organisations will jointly define a certification methodology tailored for India while remaining compliant with global benchmarks such as:

• International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) CORSIA

• Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) CORSIA standard

This will ensure international acceptance and regulatory compatibility of Indian SAF, making it globally competitive and credible.

Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman of Praj Industries, expressed confidence in the initiative and emphasised India’s potential to become a major player in global SAF markets. He highlighted that this collaboration would combine scientific rigour with international frameworks to meet the highest certification standards.

India’s Growing Role in Global SAF Development

The collaboration is timely, as India scales up its ethanol production capabilities, especially under the Government of India’s Ethanol Blending Programme, which has already demonstrated global success.

According to Deepak Ballani, Director General of ISMA, the sugar sector is ideally placed to supply low-carbon biofuels such as SAF. He noted that India can become the largest supplier of one of Asia’s lowest carbon-intensity aviation fuels, enabling a just and inclusive energy transition.

Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA SVP Sustainability and Chief Economist, said that certifications and measurement standards are essential for any emerging SAF market. She believes that the Indian SAF ecosystem will gain speed and global recognition through customised standards and transparent certification processes.

Praj Industries at the Forefront of SAF Innovation

Praj Industries has been actively developing SAF technology and has already demonstrated commercial readiness. In partnership with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) and AirAsia India, the company produced SAF from indigenous feedstock, showcasing its viability.

Praj’s Pune-based R and D centre, Praj Matrix, is India’s first integrated SAF demonstration plant. It plays a critical role in testing, validating, and scaling advanced biofuel technologies.

This facility symbolises Praj’s commitment to research-led, clean energy innovation, offering a model for other countries to emulate.

Prime Minister Endorses SAF During IATA AGM

At the 81st Annual General Meeting of IATA, held recently, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi underlined India’s focus on green aviation infrastructure and SAF development. He advocated for global partnerships to achieve eco-friendly aviation objectives and reiterated India’s readiness to lead by example.

This endorsement highlights government support for initiatives like the Praj-IATA-ISMA partnership and reaffirms the country’s strategic direction toward climate-smart aviation solutions.

About Praj Industries Limited

Praj Industries Limited is India’s foremost industrial biotech company with a focus on environment, energy, and agri-processing. With more than 1000 customer references across over 100 countries, Praj continues to build its leadership in sustainable technologies through platforms like:

• Bio-Mobility®: Offers technology for renewable transportation fuel

• Bio-Prism®: Develops renewable chemicals and materials

Praj’s portfolio includes:

• Bio-energy solutions

• Critical process equipment and skids

• Brewery systems

• Zero liquid discharge solutions

• High-purity water systems

With Praj Matrix as the backbone of its innovation, the company ensures technology-driven sustainability and is recognised for its clean energy-based bioeconomy contributions.

Praj is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India and is known for responsible corporate governance and social commitment.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Praj Industries, IATA, and ISMA marks a pivotal moment for India’s SAF industry. With a strategic focus on carbon certification, sustainability, and international standards, the partnership strengthens India's leadership in low-carbon aviation technologies.

This MoU sets the stage for indigenous SAF production that is both environmentally compliant and globally competitive, accelerating the country's journey towards aviation decarbonisation and a circular bioeconomy

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