UK Boardrooms look to biochar to reduce carbon

• A new survey of companies conducted by EBRI at Aston University shows that UK companies ranging from large to small have an interest in using biochar to reduce carbon impact.
• The majority of respondents to the survey of companies accessing a new buyers guide were well informed about biochar and interested in using it for carbon capture and soil improvement.

The Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) at Aston University have released the results of an online survey of 205 individuals who downloaded the EBRI Biochar Industry Guide. The survey reveals a high level of engagement, awareness, and global interest in biochar from a range of commercial sectors and academia.

The survey findings show that 90% of respondents claimed they are ‘Familiar’ or ‘Very Familiar’ with biochar, indicating a significant level of awareness and understanding of this emerging industry. Participants also came from various stages of the biochar supply chain, including producers, consultants, and technology producers such as kiln and stove manufacturers.

“It is encouraging to see such high engagement and interest in biochar from a range of sectors,” said Irene Watkinson, Marketing and Communications Manager at EBRI. “The diverse roles of those surveyed, ranging from CEOs and directors to researchers and policy supporters, reflect the broad scope of interest in biochar.”

The survey also highlighted the perceived best uses for biochar. Respondents indicated that soil improvement and carbon capture are the top potential applications. However, there is also recognition for biochar’s use in areas such as carbon credits, water treatment, animal feed supplements, and waste management among others.

“Biochar’s versatility and potential applications across various sectors show a promising future for the industry. We’re pleased to see a recognition of its potential beyond established uses” added Irene.

The UK Biochar Industry Guide has attracted downloads from a range of organisations and industries including waste management, automotive manufacturing, government departments, news and television, and national agricultural organisations. This underlines the wide-ranging interest in biochar and its potential applications.

Geographically respondents primarily hailed from the United Kingdom, but there were participants from across 6 continents (including a significant number from the United States and India), underscoring the global interest in biochar.

Download the UK Biochar Industry Guide here.

For more information on biochar, bioenergy and bioproducts, please visit the EBRI website www.bioenergy-for-business.org

For media enquiries, or if you are involved in the biochar supply chain and would like to be included in the next version of the guide, email Irene Watkinson at [email protected].