Global Impact Coalition (GIC) Launches Spin-Off Project “Sustainable Olefins Initiative”

The Global Impact Coalition (GIC) has announced the launch of a dedicated spin-off structure to advance its "Sustainable Olefins Program." The project will begin with a feasibility study, marking Europe's first step towards new methanol-based e-Sustainable Aviation Fuel (e-SAF) and low-carbon chemical process routes.

A group of GIC member companies have joined forces to assess the technical and economic potential of Methanol-to-Olefins (MTO) technology as a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil-based production processes. The team will evaluate the feasibility of converting sustainable methanol into olefins, which are key basic raw materials for fuels and high-end materials. The newly established spin-off structure aims to facilitate deeper collaboration, explore investment opportunities, and lay the foundation for potential project development.

"Changing the production methods of key basic raw materials such as olefins is crucial to reducing emissions in the chemical industry and related value chains like aviation," said Charlie Tan, CEO of Global Impact Alliance. "There is an urgent need for new technologies to achieve climate and business goals, and today's announced initiatives mark a growing momentum for the transformation of the global chemical industry."

By converting sustainable methanol into sustainable olefins, the MTO (Methanol-to-Olefins) technology offers a scalable and electrifiable alternative to traditional steam cracking processes. Sustainable olefins are key raw materials for the production of low-carbon polymers and materials, which are widely used in packaging, mobility, consumer goods, and industrial sectors. With e-methanol, the MTO process enables the production of e-SAF (electronic Sustainable Aviation Fuel), providing a flexible and scalable decarbonization pathway for aviation, one of the most challenging industries to decarbonize.

The sustainable olefins market is expected to grow rapidly due to increasing demand for low-emission feedstocks and regulatory drivers such as recycled content requirements, sustainable materials regulations, and SAF targets. The global green methanol market size is expected to triple by 2030, and this spin-off project is set to benefit from the rise of sustainable methanol.