Demonstrating the production of plant-based biochar in the compost cycle and developing high value-added biochar products

Biochar is created through the pyrolysis of organic material. The process uses high temperatures in the absence of oxygen to produce a solid residue that is extremely high in stabilised carbon and can then be used by various industries, from horticulture to the pharmaceutical industry. Biochar, however, remains as a niche market although there is potential for widespread use, including providing climate friendly alternatives to concrete in the construction sector.

Current biochar production technologies are not yet able to produce this material on a large scale or at a price low enough to compete in wider markets, limiting its widespread adoption. One option is to use bio-waste residues from municipal composting plants as a feedstock that can be converted into high-value biochar.

Composting, and the transformation of biologically derived waste streams into nutrient-rich compost, is a cornerstone of the EU’s circular economy strategy. By the end of 2023, all EU Member States were required to collect bio-waste separately or recycle it at source. Currently, around 38 million tonnes of municipal bio-waste are separately collected and processed annually by approximately 3 800 composting facilities across the EU. However, according to the latest report of the European Compost Network, just 17% of municipal solid waste is organically recycled through composting and anaerobic digestion. It estimates that 75 million tonnes of municipal bio-waste is generated every year across Europe, meaning more needs to be done to reach the overall recycling target of 65% by 2035.

Compost is vital for enhancing soil structure, allowing for better aeration, improving drainage and reducing erosion. It also helps to retain moisture in the soil during droughts by increasing water-holding capacity. But during the composting process, residues are screened out that are either burned or sent for landfill.

This positions biochar as an innovative and valuable addition to this cycle.

integrace do stávajícího produktového řetězce

splnění přísných certifikačních standardů

showroom pro replikaci