Alternative fuels and bio-based chemicals: aligning production with market demand

As investment in alternative fuels and bio-based chemicals accelerates, a critical question is emerging: are these solutions being matched to where they are most viable and urgently needed? While production technologies are advancing rapidly, the downstream and chemical segments are grappling with misalignment between what’s being produced and what end markets are prepared to absorb. Asia’s capacity to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), for example, is projected to outstrip regional demand, leading to potential oversupply and export reliance. In parallel, producers of bio-based chemicals are scaling capabilities without matching uptake, as end-use sectors remain hesitant due to infrastructure constraints, pricing pressure and limited incentives for the use of low-carbon materials. While the disconnect between cost-effective production and strong demand raises commercial risks, it also presents opportunities for industries and innovators to advance in strategic offtake agreements, cross-border collaboration and targeted innovation - helping to bridge the gap between feedstock-driven supply and market readiness.

Attendee insights:

Learn how alternative fuel and chemical production can more closely align with market demand, and explore the strategies needed to better synchronise market readiness and supply.