Corteva and bp launch Etlas joint venture to supply sustainable crop-based feedstocks for SAF and renewable diesel markets.
Corteva Inc. and bp have announced the formation of Etlas™, a newly established 50:50 joint venture focused on developing and supplying plant-based oil feedstocks for the rapidly expanding biofuels market. The venture is designed to support the production of low-carbon fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (RD), by sourcing oil from crops such as canola, mustard, and sunflower.
Etlas combines the complementary strengths of its two parent companies. Corteva brings more than a century of experience in seed science, crop genetics, and agricultural innovation, which will be applied to develop and optimize oilseed crops specifically tailored for biofuel applications. bp contributes its extensive expertise in fuel refining, processing, distribution, and marketing, along with deep connections to the global commercial transportation sector. Together, these capabilities are intended to create a reliable, scalable, and commercially viable feedstock supply chain that can support the long-term growth of biofuels.
The joint venture has set an ambitious production target of one million metric tonnes of feedstock annually by the mid-2030s. At that scale, Etlas expects to enable the production of more than 800,000 metric tonnes of biofuels per year. Initial volumes of feedstock are planned to become available from 2027 onward, supplying both co-processing units at existing refineries and dedicated biofuel production facilities. This phased approach allows Etlas to integrate smoothly into current refining infrastructure while also supporting the expansion of specialized biofuel plants.
Industry forecasts highlight why such initiatives are gaining momentum. Global demand for SAF is projected to increase sharply, reaching up to 10 million tonnes by 2030, compared with roughly 1 million tonnes in 2024. Similarly, demand for renewable diesel is expected to grow from around 17 million tonnes in 2024 to as much as 35 million tonnes by 2030. Etlas has been structured specifically to address this anticipated growth by ensuring consistent availability of sustainable feedstocks at scale.
A defining feature of the Etlas model is its agricultural approach. The feedstock crops will be grown on existing farmland during periods between primary food crop cycles. These intermediate or cover-season crops can enhance soil health, improve nutrient management, and reduce erosion, while also generating additional income for farmers. Importantly, because these crops utilize land that would otherwise remain fallow or underused, they do not increase pressure on land resources or compete directly with food production.
Judd O’Connor, executive vice president of Corteva’s seed business unit, emphasized that Etlas reflects Corteva’s broader mission of supporting both global energy needs and agricultural communities. He noted that agriculture can play a meaningful role in the energy transition, and that Etlas demonstrates how innovation in farming can contribute to lower-carbon fuel solutions while benefiting growers.
From bp’s perspective, Philipp Schoelzel, senior vice president for biofuels growth, described the joint venture as a capital-light strategy that adds flexibility to bp’s biofuels value chain. By partnering with Corteva, bp aims to strengthen its market position, respond to evolving customer demand, and generate competitive returns.
Leadership for the new company has also been announced. Ignacio Conti, Global Business Development Director at Corteva, will serve as Chief Executive Officer of Etlas, while Gaurav Sonar, bp’s vice president for Novel Feedstocks, will take on the role of Chair of the Board of Directors. According to Conti, as aviation and transport sectors seek dependable, cost-effective, and sustainable fuel options, farmers will play a central role. Etlas aims to connect agricultural innovation with energy demand, scaling production globally while creating new revenue opportunities for farming communities.
