Corteva Inc. and bp on Wednesday launched Etlas, a 50:50 joint venture to produce oilseed-based feedstocks for sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel, targeting one million metric tonnes annually by the mid-2030s to meet rising global demand.
Joint Venture Targets Rapid Growth in Biofuels
Corteva and BP said Etlas will produce oil from crops including canola, mustard and sunflower for use in sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, and renewable diesel, known as RD. The companies announced the venture early Wednesday, positioning it as a response to accelerating demand for lower-carbon fuels in commercial transportation.
Etlas combines Corteva’s seed technology and crop science with BP’s refining, distribution and fuel marketing capabilities. The partners said the venture is designed to provide a reliable and scalable supply of biofuel feedstock as airlines, trucking companies and regulators push for alternatives to conventional fossil fuels.
“This venture brings together deep agricultural innovation and fuel expertise to address a clear market need,” Corteva said in a statement announcing the launch. bp said Etlas aligns with its strategy to expand biofuels supply for hard-to-abate sectors, including aviation and heavy transport.
The joint venture aims to produce one million metric tonnes of feedstock per year by the mid-2030s. That volume could yield more than 800,000 metric tonnes of biofuel annually, according to the companies.
Production to Begin in 2027 as Demand Accelerates
Initial supply from Etlas is scheduled to begin in 2027. The feedstock will be used both for co-processing at existing refineries and at dedicated biofuels plants, the companies said.
Industry estimates cited by Corteva and bp show global SAF demand rising sharply. Demand could reach as much as 10 million tonnes by 2030, up from about one million tonnes in 2024. Global demand for renewable diesel is projected to grow to as much as 35 million tonnes by 2030, compared with roughly 17 million tonnes in 2024.
“These markets are expanding faster than current supply chains can support,” bp said in its announcement. “Etlas is designed to help close that gap with feedstocks that can scale over time.”
Analysts have said feedstock availability is one of the main constraints on biofuel growth, particularly for SAF, which airlines increasingly rely on to meet emissions targets. By focusing on oilseed crops tailored for fuel production, the venture aims to reduce supply bottlenecks.
Crops Use Existing Farmland, Support Farmers
Etlas said its feedstock will come from crops grown on existing farmland between main food-cropping seasons. These intermediate crops are planted during periods when fields are typically fallow or used only for soil cover.
The companies said this approach avoids additional demand for land while offering agronomic benefits. Intermediate crops can improve soil health, reduce erosion and create a new revenue stream for farmers without displacing food production.
“Using existing cropland during underutilized periods is central to our model,” Corteva said. “It supports farmers while strengthening the sustainability of the supply chain.”
Environmental groups and regulators have raised concerns about land-use change linked to biofuel expansion. Corteva and bp said Etlas is designed to address those concerns by integrating feedstock production into current agricultural systems.
The companies did not disclose financial terms of the joint venture or specific locations for initial production. They said further details will be announced as Etlas moves toward its 2027 startup.
