Japan Airlines Invests in MORISORA Bio Refinery to Boost Domestic Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) has announced a strategic investment in MORISORA Bio Refinery LLC (hereinafter “MORISORA Bio Refinery”) to accelerate the development and commercialization of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) derived from domestically sourced woody biomass bioethanol. This move underscores JAL’s long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability, low-carbon aviation, and the promotion of renewable energy initiatives in Japan.
MORISORA Bio Refinery, established in July 2025, is a joint venture formed by three leading Japanese companies: Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. (Nippon Paper), Sumitomo Corporation, and Green Earth Institute Inc. (GEI). The venture operates under the banner of “Project MORISORA,” a large-scale initiative aimed at producing bioethanol and other biochemical products from woody biomass feedstock. By leveraging domestic resources and innovative technologies, the project aims to create a sustainable, circular bioeconomy while reducing carbon emissions associated with aviation fuel production.
The demonstration plant, central to Project MORISORA, is set to be constructed within Nippon Paper’s Iwanuma mill in Miyagi Prefecture. This facility will utilize wood processing residues sourced from the Tohoku region, a resource considered both sustainable and renewable. The plant will employ GEI’s proprietary low-carbon, low-cost bioethanol production technology, which is designed to efficiently convert woody biomass into bioethanol with minimal environmental impact. The facility aims to produce over 1,000 kiloliters of bioethanol annually, with operations scheduled to begin in 2027.
JAL has been a pioneer in promoting biofuel adoption within the aviation sector for more than a decade. Since March 2025, the airline has participated in Project MORISORA, working alongside the joint venture to explore the potential of domestically produced SAF. Through this strategic investment, JAL positions itself not only as a user of sustainable fuels but also as a proactive contributor to the development of a “purely domestic SAF” industry, ensuring that the production process, raw materials, and end product are all sourced within Japan. This initiative aligns with broader national goals of carbon neutrality and energy security, particularly in reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
On October 3, 2025, a ceremonial groundbreaking event, known as “Jichin-sai,” was held at the site of the planned demonstration plant within Nippon Paper’s Iwanuma mill. This traditional Shinto ritual marks the formal commencement of construction and emphasizes safety, prosperity, and harmonious development with nature. The demonstration plant is slated for completion in fiscal year 2026, with plans to scale up operations to a commercial facility capable of producing tens of thousands of kiloliters of bioethanol and other biochemical products annually by 2030. This scale-up will mark a significant milestone in Japan’s journey toward creating a fully domestic SAF supply chain.
Project MORISORA is designed with multiple objectives in mind. Firstly, it addresses the urgent need to decarbonize the aviation industry, which remains one of the more challenging sectors to electrify or fully transition to renewable energy. By producing SAF from woody biomass, the project aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions substantially compared with conventional jet fuels. Secondly, the initiative contributes to regional economic revitalization, particularly in Tohoku, where local forests and wood-processing industries can benefit from new revenue streams while promoting sustainable forest management practices. Thirdly, by establishing a domestic SAF supply chain, Project MORISORA strengthens Japan’s energy resilience and reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels, supporting national energy security goals.
The collaboration between JAL and MORISORA Bio Refinery reflects a shared vision of environmental stewardship and innovation. For JAL, SAF represents a crucial component of its long-term strategy to achieve carbon-neutral operations. The airline has committed to ambitious targets for reducing CO₂ emissions across its fleet, and investing in domestic SAF production is a key step toward meeting these goals. By ensuring that bioethanol feedstock comes exclusively from domestic sources, the project also minimizes the carbon footprint associated with transportation and importation of raw materials, making the fuel “truly green” from start to finish.
The demonstration plant itself will serve as a model for future large-scale production facilities. It will incorporate advanced bioethanol production technologies developed by GEI, which prioritize low energy consumption, high conversion efficiency, and environmental compatibility. The plant’s operations will be closely monitored to optimize production processes and ensure the quality and sustainability of the bioethanol produced. Lessons learned from this facility will guide the design and operation of commercial-scale plants, enabling rapid expansion of domestic SAF production capacity in subsequent years.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the project has significant socio-economic implications. By sourcing woody biomass from local forests and wood-processing industries, Project MORISORA provides stable income opportunities for local communities while promoting responsible forest management practices. This aligns with Japan’s broader objectives of regional revitalization, particularly in rural areas that face population decline and economic challenges. In this way, SAF production becomes not only an environmental initiative but also a driver of social and economic sustainability.
Looking ahead, JAL and MORISORA Bio Refinery are committed to scaling up SAF production and integrating it into the airline’s fuel supply chain. The long-term goal is to establish a reliable, large-scale domestic SAF industry capable of producing tens of thousands of kiloliters annually, contributing significantly to Japan’s decarbonization targets. Additionally, the collaboration will explore opportunities to diversify feedstock sources and expand the range of biochemical products derived from woody biomass, further enhancing the sustainability and resilience of Japan’s bioeconomy.
Project MORISORA exemplifies how strategic partnerships between industry leaders, technology innovators, and local communities can drive meaningful progress toward sustainability. By combining Nippon Paper’s expertise in wood processing, Sumitomo Corporation’s experience in large-scale industrial projects, and GEI’s advanced bioethanol technology, the joint venture leverages complementary strengths to create a scalable, efficient, and environmentally responsible SAF production model. JAL’s investment not only provides financial support but also reinforces the airline’s role as a catalyst for sustainable aviation innovation.
In conclusion, JAL’s investment in MORISORA Bio Refinery marks a significant step toward realizing a sustainable future for Japan’s aviation sector. The collaboration demonstrates the potential of domestic, woody biomass-derived SAF to reduce carbon emissions, support regional economies, and strengthen energy security. Through Project MORISORA, JAL and its partners are paving the way for a decarbonized society, fostering technological innovation, and contributing to the creation of a circular, sustainable bioeconomy. With the demonstration plant scheduled to begin operations in 2027 and commercial-scale production expected by 2030, this initiative represents a transformative milestone for Japan’s renewable energy and aviation sectors, aligning economic growth with environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability goals.