Sustainable biochar: Market development and commercialization to achieve ESG goals

Abstract

Biochar has traditionally been used as a soil amendment as it enhances carbon sequestration and soil fertility. In addition to agriculture, biochar has recently been used in various industrial sectors, including textiles, construction, waste management, renewable energy generation, and for climate change mitigation. However, biochar performance depends on the feedstock quality and properties. This review highlights the key breakthroughs in the potential for integration of biochar across diverse industries and the associated emerging business opportunities within the global biochar market. By incorporating techno-economic analyses, we evaluate the feasibility of biochar production technologies by evaluating their associated costs, benefits, risks, and uncertainties. This review focuses on the policy considerations of biochar feedstock management, production, and application suitability, in addition to supply chains, particularly in Europe, Korea, and Australia. We found that lack of universal standards, limited industrial-scale data, and inadequate policies hinder the broader application of biochar products. To address these barriers, future research should prioritize unifying life cycle assessment of different biochar applications, developing equity-centered governance models to prevent monopolies over resources, and designing and scaling up pyrolysis technologies tailored to regional biomass waste availability. To stimulate a sustainable growth of the biochar market, a collaborative approach among governments, industry, and academia, along with robust policy incentives, is essential. Ultimately, a scalable and resilient biochar market is critical for unlocking its full environmental potential and ensuring its role in global sustainability efforts.