Thailand is making significant progress toward establishing itself as a regional leader in low-carbon aviation through a nationwide initiative involving youth and higher education institutions. The "From the kitchen to the skies" project, launched by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) with industry partner PTT Global Chemical, aims to convert used cooking oil (UCO) collected from universities into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
This project builds on a successful pilot conducted between August and October 2025, during which over 22 partners collected 7.09 tons of UCO, generating 1.75 tons of SAF. The process also produced community revenue of more than THB 215,000 and helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 5,655 kilograms of CO₂e.
Expanding the Network
According to Prof Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of MHESI, the initiative intends to broaden the UCO collection network to more than 56 sites nationwide, starting with over 20 pilot universities. This effort aims to involve young people in waste management practices aligned with the principles of the circular economy and support Thailand's ambition to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050.
"MHESI's Green University initiative requires all higher education institutions to contribute toward sustainability goals," said Supachai. "Our partnership with GC will help expand UCO collection points and raise awareness of proper waste management among the youth."
GC’s CEO, Narongsak Jivakanun, expressed confidence that engaging educational institutions would foster a culture of sustainability among the future workforce. The company plans to establish additional collection points at universities and organize educational activities about UCO utilization, linking industrial innovation to environmental responsibility. The project aligns with GC's broader goal of developing a biorefinery capable of producing multiple sustainable products, embodying the principles of the circular economy and sustainable development.
