An integrated biorefinery for sustainable aviation fuel production from tomato residues
ToFuel develops its concept by valorising agricultural side streams that are currently underused. The project advances a circular bioeconomy model that reduces waste, lowers greenhouse gas emissions and supports the decarbonisation of aviation. The approach combines innovative conversion pathways with system integration to deliver a scalable and economically viable solution for future fuel production.
Challenge
Tomato processing in the EU generates around 1.2 million tonnes of tomato pomace per year, and there is currently no integrated biorefinery concept that can valorise these residues into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at scale.
Transforming tomato residues into high value aviation fuel components
Outcome
Demonstrating efficient and scalable conversion pathways
By 2030, the EU is expected to need 3.2 million tonnes of SAF. ToFuel aims to show that tomato residues could contribute up to 0.3 million tonnes of SAF, while also producing useful co-products.
Project key figures
€3.5M
EU Funding
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101235233.
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Partners
The consortium brings together 11 partners, combining leading universities, research organisations, industry, and network organisations across the full sustainable aviation fuel value chain.
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Deliverables
They ensure structured reporting, technical validation, and transparent communication of scientific, technical, and exploitation results throughout the project lifetime.
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Months
The project runs from January 2026 to December 2029, allowing for full technology development, validation, and scale-up planning.