Frequently Asked Questions on SAF and SAF credits

What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel?

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a type of renewable fuel designed to replace conventional jet fuel. It is produced from sustainable feedstocks, such as waste oils, agricultural residues, and other renewable materials. SAF can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout its lifecycle compared to traditional fossil-based jet fuel.

Who is producing SAF?

A number of refineries around the world are producing SAF in Europe, North America, and Asia. Key producers include Neste, World Energy, EcoCeres, Moeve, and Diamond Green Energy. These companies are leading the way in developing and scaling up SAF production to meet growing demand from the aviation industry.

How does SAF reduce flight emissions?

SAF reduces flight emissions by recycling carbon from the atmosphere, as opposed to releasing new carbon from fossil sources. The lifecycle emissions of SAF are significantly lower, as it is derived from renewable feedstocks. Studies show that SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% when compared to traditional jet fuel over its lifecycle.

Will the SAF that I buy be used on my flight?

No, and there is a strategic environmental reason for this. SAF Planet operates on the Book & Claim model, which is the industry standard for sustainable aviation.

The SAF you purchase is injected into the aviation fuel supply chain at high-volume airports where production and logistics are most efficient. By using a Book & Claim system, we avoid the unnecessary carbon emissions and high costs associated with transporting liquid fuel to your specific departure airport.

While the physical molecules may power a different aircraft, the unique environmental attributes (the "credits") are legally and exclusively allocated to you. This process is audited and secured via a top-tier SAF registry, ensuring your Scope 3 emission reductions are credible, reportable, and protected against double-counting.

Is SAF really sustainable?

Yes, it is. By its nature, SAF recycles carbon from the fast carbon cycle, rather than introducing new carbon from the Earth’s crust (as with petroleum-based jet fuel). This process significantly reduces the overall carbon footprint of aviation fuel and contributes to a more sustainable future for air travel. SAF Planet strictly sources fuel derived from Annex IX feedstocks (waste oils and residues) that do not compete with food crops or contribute to deforestation."

Does SAF still have emissions?

Yes, SAF does lead to engine emissions similar to those of traditional jet fuel. However, it is claimed to have lower particulate emissions, which can help reduce contrail and cirrus cloud formation—factors that contribute to the greenhouse effect. The emission reductions from SAF are based on a lifecycle approach, considering the renewable feedstocks from which it is made.

How can you safeguard the actual delivery of my SAF?

We ensure the delivery of SAF through partnerships with reputable suppliers and by utilizing a traceable supply chain. All SAF purchases are tracked from production to delivery, providing transparency and assurance that your investment supports sustainable aviation practices.

How do you prevent double claiming of my SAF?

To prevent double claiming, we utilize recognized SAF registries that act as a single source of truth (such as the RSB Book and Claim registry, RMI SAFc registry, ISCC SAF registry, IATA CADO SAF registry). These platforms track the Chain of Custody from production to retirement. Each batch of SAF is assigned a unique identifier, and once a credit is retired in your name, it is permanently locked in the registry, making it impossible to be sold or claimed by any other party, including the airline or fuel supplier.

How do SAF credits help with my Scope 3 emission reporting?

SAF credits are a primary tool for reducing Scope 3 emissions (Category 6: Business Travel). By purchasing and retiring SAF credits through a recognized SAF registry, your organization can claim the environmental benefits of the fuel's lifecycle carbon reduction. This is a credible, reportable method that aligns with global standards for corporate climate reporting.

Are SAF credits compliant with SBTi and ESG targets?

Yes. SAF credits transacted through SAF Planet are designed to meet the requirements of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for aviation emissions. By using high-quality SAF certified by ISCC or RSB, you ensure that your investment is recognized in your annual ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reports.

What is the 'Book and Claim' model for SAF?

The Book and Claim model allows the environmental attributes of Sustainable Aviation Fuel to be decoupled from the physical fuel. This means SAF can be produced and used at any location in the world, while a customer anywhere in the world can "claim" the carbon reduction. This avoids the high emissions and costs of transporting liquid fuel over long distances.

What documentation do I receive for my SAF purchase?

For every transaction, you receive an official Retirement/emission Statement from a top-tier registry (such as the RMI, ISCC or IATA SAF Registry). The Retirement Statement is the legal summary of all underlying data. Because the registry acts as the independent auditor, it verifies the POS (Proof of Sustainability) and PTD (Product Transfer Document) and other proofs of the physical delivery of the SAF. This provides you with a simplified, audit-ready document that is legally sufficient for your ESG disclosures without the administrative burden of managing raw supply chain files.

Is SAF Planet compliant with ReFuelEU and international mandates?

While ReFuelEU primarily targets fuel suppliers with a minimum threshold for SAF use, SAF Planet helps corporate clients to take voluntary action "beyond the mandate." We provide voluntary SAF credits that have not been claimed towards fulfilling any SAF blending mandate, ensuring that you really power additional atmospheric benefit and additional SAF use.