A recent study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign presents a breakthrough in the quest for sustainable aviation fuels by detailing a cost-effective method to produce ethylbenzene, an essential additive, from polystyrene waste. Ethylbenzene, an aromatic hydrocarbon, plays a crucial role in the functionality of sustainable aviation fuels by lubricating mechanical parts and swelling seals to prevent leaks. The research, led by Hong Lu from the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, aims to support the aviation industry in transitioning to sustainable jet fuels. The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge, initiated by various U.S. government agencies, envisions producing 3 billion gallons of domestic sustainable aviation fuels annually by 2030 and achieving 100% sustainable fuel usage by 2050. To meet existing standards that mandate a minimum of 8.4% aromatic hydrocarbons in aviation fuel blends, the team focused on ethylbenzene production from polystyrene due to its abundance in waste streams. By utilizing thermal pyrolysis and hydrogenation, the team successfully converted polystyrene into a high-purity ethylbenzene product that demonstrated performance comparable to fossil-derived ethylbenzene when blended with sustainable aviation fuel. Notably, this process reduced carbon emissions by 50-60% compared to traditional ethylbenzene production methods. The cost-effectiveness of producing ethylbenzene from waste polystyrene presents a promising solution to accelerate the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels. With ongoing support from government agencies like the U.S. Department of Energy, this innovative approach could play a significant role in achieving the ambitious targets set for sustainable aviation fuel production in the U.S.