Plastics-to-SAF innovation gained a major boost after Clean Planet Technologies (CPTech) secured patents in the United States and Saudi Arabia. Consequently, CPTech expands protection of its proprietary pyrolysis oil upgrading technology. As a result, the company strengthens its ability to scale its Plastics-to-SAF programme globally.
CPTech initially developed this core process to convert low-grade pyrolysis oils into ultra-low sulphur fuels and circular petrochemical feedstocks. By stabilizing feedstocks and removing impurities, the technology enables more efficient downstream upgrading. Therefore, it forms the foundation for sustainable aviation fuel production from mixed plastic waste.
Earlier this year, Dr Andrew Odjo, CEO of CPTech, presented the SAFe-P2SAF system at the SAF Global Summit. There, he demonstrated the UK’s first pathway for turning plastics into aviation-grade fuel. According to Dr Odjo, “Reliable, consistent upgrading of plastic-derived oils is essential to diversify SAF feedstocks.” By securing these patents, CPTech reinforces its global commercialization prospects.
The patents come as CPTech prepares its first Plastics-to-SAF pilot facility, scheduled for Q1 2026. This milestone will demonstrate the technology in a real-world setting. Consequently, it moves the initiative from conceptual presentations to operational deployment. Moreover, with growing UK and EU SAF mandates, demand for circular feedstocks is increasing rapidly.
CPTech’s patented process addresses the challenges of raw pyrolysis oil, which is unstable, oxygen-rich, and metal-contaminated. By improving stability, controlling variability, and removing contaminants, the technology produces cleaner intermediate oils. As a result, these oils are suitable for advanced aviation fuel production.
Dr Katerina Garyfalou, COO of CPTech, emphasized the strategic importance: “Turning difficult waste into strategic low-carbon fuels requires certainty, protection, and scalability. These patents secure that foundation.” Additionally, they support licensing, technology transfer, and investment in key energy markets, including the US and Saudi Arabia.
The company expects further announcements later this year, signaling its intent to expand Plastics-to-SAF operations. Therefore, CPTech positions itself at the forefront of sustainable aviation fuel development. Overall, the patents mark a pivotal step in Plastics-to-SAF innovation, supporting CPTech’s goal to transform waste plastics into high-value, low-carbon fuels while contributing to global decarbonization.
