Japan’s 1st trial of biodiesel from rice-bran oil byproducts launches at Yamagata Airport

Photo: Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines announced recently that it has begun a demonstration project at Yamagata Airport with Showa Sangyo, Boso Oil and Fat, Phytochem Products and Tohoku University using biodiesel produced from byproducts generated during the rice-bran oil-manufacturing process to power a baggage-towing tractor.

This biodiesel fuel is produced by Boso Oil and Fat, a member of the Showa Sangyo Group, by upcycling rice-bran fatty acid—a nonedible oil—generated during rice-bran oil production.

The manufacturing process utilizes the ion-exchange resin method, a technology developed by Tohoku University.

This initiative marks the world’s first use of biodiesel fuel produced utilizing this method at an airport, according to Japan Airlines.

Yamagata Airport was selected for this demonstration due to its location in a basin, which creates significant seasonal-temperature fluctuations ideal for testing under diverse weather conditions.

Additionally, its proximity to Tohoku University, where the core technology was developed, provides an optimal environment for verification. 

As global demand for biofuels increases, it is crucial to explore new resource possibilities and diversify raw-material options to ensure a stable supply.

Through this project, the five-company consortium aims to promote the decarbonization of Yamagata Airport while establishing a sustainable supply chain and social implementation for biodiesel fuel derived from upcycled byproducts.

By utilizing advanced technology from the Tohoku region, the partners are committed to creating new value and achieving a carbon-neutral future.

The demonstration period runs from late May 2026 through May 2027.

The initiative will evaluate driving performance under actual operating conditions using this specific type of biodiesel fuel, confirm impact on the vehicle and assess the biodiesel fuel-supply system.

Japan Airlines said it currently uses biodiesel fuel derived from used cooking oil at 23 airports across Japan in collaboration with local partners.