Producing biochar using waste biomass in the USA

As trees grow, they store carbon from the atmosphere in their biomass, through photosynthesis. When this biomass is burned in the absence of oxygen (a process called pyrolysis), one of the byproducts is a stable, carbon-rich residue called biochar.

When biomass decomposes naturally, carbon and methane are emitted into the atmosphere. Since biochar is very stable, the production of biochar using waste biomass – such as  waste timber from commercial forests – is a more permanent method of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and storing the carbon on long-term timescales, than allowing the biomass to decompose naturally. Biochar is also great because it avoids fossil fuel emissions if energy is produced after burning the biomass and it can trigger changes in GHG emissions after being added to the soil from increased plant growth, lower non-CO₂ GHG emissions from soil and reduce mineralization of soil organic matter.

Mixing the produced biochar into soil can therefore act to permanently lock away its stored carbon, and studies have also found that it can support the fertility and productivity of the soil.

Wakefield Biochar is a minority-owned American company dedicated to enhancing the planet’s health through its mission of “Better Soil. Better World.” Based in Valdosta, Georgia, with strong roots in the forestry industry, the company focuses on transforming waste from pulp, paper, and sawmills into biochar. Since its founding in 2014, Wakefield has championed biochar as a revolutionary tool for improving soil health, sequestering carbon, and replacing harmful chemical fertilisers. Unlike traditional waste disposal practices in the paper and pulp industry, Wakefield repurposes this waste into biochar products suitable for soil conditioning, composting, and more.

Carbon credits are central to Wakefield Biochar’s growth strategy, with its focus on carbon sequestration. Revenue from carbon credit sales supports these key initiatives:

• Transport and Operations: Sustain funding for the transportation and operations involved in processing and distributing biochar to pasturelands, aiding farmers who lack the means to pay commercial prices for biochar.
• Paper and Pulp Mill Projects: Bolster financial feasibility for paper and pulp mill initiatives by leveraging carbon credits, fostering growth, and generating new eco-friendly employment opportunities.
• Diversion from Landfills and Carbon Loss: Incentivise proper waste management practices and discourage carbon loss by redirecting char away from landfills and wasteful applications, promoting a zero-waste approach for large manufacturers.
• Pyrolysis Units for Efficiency: Collaborate with mill owners to establish pyrolysis units that offer efficient energy for mills and customised biochar for agricultural, filtration, and remediation industries, effectively replacing outdated fossil fuel co-firing boiler technologies.
• Retail Channel Expansion: Infuse working capital into retail expansion efforts, making biochar and biochar composts more accessible and affordable, thereby elevating public awareness and engagement.

This project is verified by the Puro Standard. You can view it on the Puro Registry.