Sasol and Topsoe have announced plans to reorganise their sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) partnership by preparing for the orderly operational wind-down of their joint venture, Zaffra, while strengthening their long-standing technology licensing collaboration through the Single Point Licensor (SPL) framework established in 2019.

The move follows a strategic review aimed at creating a more flexible structure to support the next phase of SAF market development.

Formed in 2023, Zaffra combined Sasol’s Fischer-Tropsch fuel technology with Topsoe’s clean fuels expertise to advance SAF opportunities.

During its operation, the joint venture helped deepen market understanding, build a pipeline of opportunities, and strengthen engagement with customers and industry partners.

Despite the decision to wind down Zaffra, both companies stressed that their partnership and commitment to SAF remain unchanged.

Instead, they will continue delivering integrated technology solutions through the SPL framework, under which six licences have already been signed.

The revised collaboration model will enable Sasol and Topsoe to focus on projects where their combined technologies provide the greatest value while allowing greater flexibility to pursue targeted initiatives, innovation programmes, and emerging market opportunities.

The companies will also evaluate bespoke partnership structures for strategic projects requiring closer collaboration as the global SAF market continues to evolve.

“This carefully considered decision reflects the next organisational phase of Sasol and Topsoe’s work together in sustainable aviation fuel development,” said Simon Baloyi, President and CEO of Sasol. “Zaffra has helped establish an important foundation for this market, and we recognise the contribution made by the Zaffra team, customers and partners. We remain committed to building on this foundation through our long-standing technology-led collaboration with Topsoe and to supporting the development of sustainable fuels.”

Elena Scaltritti, President and CEO of Topsoe, added: “Sasol and Topsoe have built a strong and trusted partnership over many years. As the SAF market evolves, it is important that our collaboration model evolves with it. We will continue to strengthen our technology-led cooperation through the SPL framework and adjust the organisational structure for selected projects and priority initiatives to carry the partnership into the next phase of SAF development. We acknowledge the work done through Zaffra and will manage the transition responsibly with relevant stakeholders.” -OGN/TradeArabia News Service