Now Is the Time to Get Into Producing Biochar as the Market Takes Off

Biochar production is a rapidly growing industry as companies seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil quality. However, soil application isn’t the only use for biochar.

With the industry growing and new applications coming out daily, RMS’s Roy Olson talked to the US Biochar Initiative (USBI)’s John Webster to discuss these new biochar uses. They covered how this material is changing how we mitigate carbon emissions, improve agricultural practices and food security, and even combat the effects of climate change.

The US Biochar Initiative is a non-profit organization dedicated to the sustainable production and utilization of biochar. This organization also helps connect biochar producers with consumers who are interested in the production of biochar as a business.

Although biochar has been around for a while, “it’s turning out to be the most durable solution for our climate concerns, and one of the more empowered solutions for our agricultural needs,” says John.

The Growing Biochar Industry

John says the most common industry for biochar right now is agriculture, but biochar applications are expanding rapidly. Industries utilizing biochar include filtration, stormwater management, cement, asphalt, building materials, and even biodegradable plastics. From small to large particles, the biochar production market is taking off.

When asked about the requirements for these applications to obtain the right end product from the raw material, John says it can vary widely. “Biochar is a human-made charcoal that’s suitable for use in agriculture, decarbonizing all sorts of things,” says John, meaning there are lots of ways to process it. The process typically starts with heating biomass, such as crop residues, via slow pyrolysis to break down the raw material into a charcoal-like material with a high pure carbon content.

Since applications vary so widely and are growing every day, “if you’re looking for a specific application, chances are we have someone who is already producing that type of biochar and you can find it,” says John.

Getting Into the Biochar Market

If you’re just getting into the biochar production market, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions:

• Is biochar going to be my primary product?
• Is waste management going to be my primary revenue generator?
• Do I have a contract for feedstocks?
• What heating power is necessary to get my intended final product?

“We want to make sure that when people do enter into the biochar industry that they understand that it’s best to have a number of revenue opportunities so that way you can stay viable and have long-term success in the market,” says John.

Most commonly, biochar producers follow the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) standards, since they are the most frequently used for the soil, and agriculture is biochar’s primary market. This is organic material that’s produced at 350 degrees Celsius. Producing according to these standards ensures you can get carbon credits, find customers in the ag-use space, and even find other buyers for biochar uses.

“Identify a need, identify an opportunity, and get it,” says John. “There frankly has never been a better time to get into the biochar industry than there is today,” John says. “There are so many opportunities right now.”

Bridging the Gap to the End User: How Does a Biochar Producer Get Connected With Customers?

“How does a biochar producer bridge that gap to the end user?” asks Roy. “How does a producer get connected with end users: what does that look like?”

“It can be something as simple as starting out at farmer’s markets,” says John. “But more advisable would be finding ways to address bulk opportunities. We strongly encourage everyone to get familiar with their local NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) agents and get to know their conservation ergonomists. Know who your technical service providers are in the area, and look for people who are in compatible industries, like the compost industry.”

It’s essential to research your market and find out what the benefits of using biochar from biomass waste are, especially if there are primary needs in your area, like combating drought, soil carbon, excessive nitrogen, mine sites, and heavy metal restoration efforts. Biochar’s unique characteristics mean that many industries can use it. Identify what those nearby needs are, and look at how you can get involved with the larger distributors.

“Communicating about this is a big deal. You want to make sure that you’re communicating benefit and value,” says John. “In order to get into the market, start local, then start looking regional and national. Figure out your niche, size it appropriately, and make it available in different sizes, shapes, and consistencies for your market. Somebody out there has a need, just find them.”

What to Do If You’re Considering Biochar Production

“If you do get into the biochar space, I would encourage you to get a listing at the USBI website. That will help people find you,” says John. Since the industry is expanding rapidly and the benefits of biochar are huge, there’s never been a better time to consider getting into biochar production.

“There is a reason to do this; it’s work that you can feel good about,” says John, referring to the production of biochar for climate change mitigation, particularly for increasing the carbon content of the soil. Biochar properties can increase soil fertility, pH, and moisture–all things that can improve crop yields.  “The United States is very committed to building soil health and soil carbon is a critical part of that.”

Whether you’re considering biochar for soil applications, industrial carbon capture, or carbon sequestration, it’s an excellent time to get into biochar, and RMS can help.

Our roller grinders help companies increase their biochar yields and properly break down this raw material into their desired particle size, no matter their intended application. Our machines break down charcoal but leave residual wood, leaving you with a high-quality final product that can be used to increase the carbon content of soil, be used in filters and construction materials, and much more.

Let us help you find the ideal machine for your biochar application. Our equipment is designed and made here in the United States with the highest quality materials. We support each of our machines for optimal performance and longevity. Contact us today to explore your options and get started!