Seoul, South Korea – In a significant step toward sustainable aviation, researchers at Korea University have developed a groundbreaking new technology that transforms waste plastic into aviation fuel. The process, unveiled on March 19, 2026, offers a potential solution to both the global plastic pollution crisis and the aviation industry’s reliance on fossil fuels. This innovative approach to waste plastic recycling could reshape the future of air travel and significantly reduce carbon emissions.
The breakthrough centers around a novel upcycling process that utilizes liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) for hydrogen delivery and hydrocracking. This method allows for the efficient conversion of polyolefin plastics – the most common type of plastic found in everyday items – into jet fuel. The research, published in Nature on December 24, 2025, details the process and its potential for scalability.
From Landfill to Flight: The Science Behind the Upcycling
The team, led by researchers at Korea University’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, focused on addressing the challenges of traditional plastic recycling. Mechanical recycling often degrades the plastic’s quality, limiting its reuse, while chemical recycling can be energy-intensive and costly. This new method bypasses these limitations by breaking down the plastic polymers into their constituent hydrocarbons and then reforming them into jet fuel.
Key to the process is the employ of LOHCs, which act as a safe and efficient medium for storing and transporting hydrogen. The hydrogen is then used in the hydrocracking stage to break down the plastic polymers. Doctoral candidate Tae-eun Kwon, the first author of the Nature study, played a crucial role in developing and optimizing this process. The research team demonstrated the feasibility of producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) that meets industry standards.
The Growing Demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
The aviation industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Sustainable aviation fuel is seen as a critical component of achieving net-zero emissions goals. Currently, SAF accounts for a very little percentage of total jet fuel consumption, but demand is rapidly growing. Airlines are actively seeking alternative fuel sources, and governments are implementing policies to incentivize the production and use of SAF. This new technology from Korea University could help meet that growing demand and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable aviation sector.
The development comes as the world grapples with the escalating problem of plastic waste. Millions of tons of plastic end up in landfills and oceans each year, causing significant environmental damage. Finding effective ways to recycle and repurpose plastic is crucial for protecting ecosystems and human health. This upcycling technology offers a promising pathway for diverting plastic waste from landfills and transforming it into a valuable resource.
Expertise in Fuel Cell Technology at Changwon National University
Related research into hydrogen fuel technologies is also being conducted at Changwon National University. Professor Taek Hyun Oh, of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Changwon National University, has extensive experience in hydrogen energy and fuel cell systems. His research focuses on sodium borohydride hydrolysis, formic acid hydrogenation, and the development of fuel cell systems for aerospace applications. Professor Oh previously earned his Ph.D. And M.S. Degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), with his doctoral thesis focusing on the development and validation of a direct NaBH4/H2O2 fuel cell for aerospace systems. He has been an Associate Professor at Changwon National University since March 2025, after previously holding the same position in the Department of Mechanical Engineering from October 2021 to February 2025.
Challenges and Future Steps
While the Korea University team’s research represents a major advancement, several challenges remain before the technology can be deployed on a large scale. Scaling up the process to handle the vast quantities of plastic waste generated globally will require significant investment in infrastructure and optimization of the LOHC delivery system. Further research is also needed to assess the long-term environmental impacts of the process and ensure its economic viability.
The researchers are currently working on pilot projects to demonstrate the technology’s feasibility in real-world settings. They are also exploring partnerships with industry stakeholders to accelerate the commercialization process. The next phase of development will focus on optimizing the process for different types of plastic waste and reducing the overall energy consumption. The team anticipates that the technology could be commercially available within the next five to ten years.
This innovative approach to plastic upcycling offers a beacon of hope in the fight against plastic pollution and climate change. By transforming waste into a valuable resource, Korea University’s researchers are paving the way for a more sustainable future for aviation and beyond. For updates on the project and sustainable aviation fuel development, readers can follow Nature and related scientific publications.
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