The United Kingdom has officially updated its feedstock classifications under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) guidelines. According to SAF News, the regulatory adjustment expands the list of materials eligible for double-counting incentives, aiming to accelerate the development of low-carbon aviation options.

The RTFO, overseen by the UK Department for Transport (DfT), administers the supply of renewable fuels. Under this framework, certain waste-derived feedstocks are awarded twice the number of Renewable Transport Fuel Certificates (RTFCs) per liter or kilogram compared to crop-based alternatives. This mechanism directly reduces the compliance costs for fuel suppliers who opt for more sustainable, non-food competing raw materials.

The latest update clarifies which waste streams qualify for these enhanced incentives. The DfT continuously reviews feedstock submissions to ensure alignment with strict environmental criteria, avoiding indirect land-use change (ILUC) issues associated with first-generation biofuels.

| Feedstock Category | RTFO Treatment | Carbon Intensity Target | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Food Crop-Based | Single Counting / Capped | High | | Standard Waste / Residues | Single Counting | Low | | Eligible Double-Counting Waste | Double Counting | Ultra-Low | | Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) | Double Counting | Zero-to-Near-Zero |

The integration of these new feedstocks is designed to align the RTFO with the upcoming UK SAF mandate. Starting in 2025, the UK will require aviation fuel suppliers to ensure that at least 2% of their fuel mix comes from sustainable sources, a target that escalates to 10% by 2030 and 22% by 2040.

These modifications provide clearer guidance to developers investing in SAF production facilities. By certifying additional double-counting materials, the government hopes to attract private capital to domestic refining projects, securing supply chains ahead of the 2025 mandate.

## Why It Matters This policy update is a practical step toward de-risking the financial pathways for Sustainable Aviation Fuel developers. By expanding double-counting eligibility, the UK Department for Transport lowers the economic barrier to utilizing highly complex, non-food waste materials. This regulatory clarity is vital for airlines trying to meet the upcoming 2025 mandate, as it directly influences fuel pricing and supply availability. Over the long term, these technical adjustments establish a more predictable framework for international fuel suppliers operating within British airspace.