Natural State and Axens advance SAF project using forest biomass waste

Natural State Renewables has announced a key strategic partnership with Axens as part of its plan to produce carbon-negative sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from surplus forest biomass.
The project will use the BioTfueL® process, a technology developed over more than a decade by a consortium including Avril, Axens, CEA, IFPEN, TotalEnergies and thyssenkrupp Uhde.
This process converts low-value forest residues - such as pre-commercial thinnings and logging slash - into SAF.
According to Natural State Renewables, the production chain, which integrates feedstock optimisation, on-site power generation and full lifecycle CO₂ capture, is expected to deliver net-negative greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.
Ruben S. Martin III, President and Co-founder of Natural State Renewables, said the partnership with Axens was key to establishing scalable SAF production capacity in both the US and UK.
With over four decades of industry experience, Martin emphasised the importance of strategic alliances to support airlines in transitioning toward zero-emissions aviation.
Quentin Debuisschert, CEO of Axens, described the collaboration as a culmination of years of joint development with thyssenkrupp Uhde and the wider BioTfueL group.
He said the combined expertise and project pipeline would enable the delivery of SAF that not only reduces carbon emissions but achieves net-negative impact.
Michael Newton, Executive Vice-President and Co-founder of Natural State Renewables, highlighted that the project deliberately avoids the use of food crops, aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainability and regional economic development.
Clay Marbry, Senior Vice-President for Project Development and Co-founder, added that the facility will use biomass-fuelled boilers to generate power on-site.
Planned for southern Arkansas and north Louisiana, the project is expected to create significant employment and economic opportunities in the surrounding communities.