Biochar is transforming how we think about coffee—from waste reduction and carbon removal to better soils and farmer livelihoods.
How it works
Collect & Dry
After coffee cherries are de-pulped, the leftover organic material is collected at a central point instead of being discarded.
The wet pulp is dried. This is often done using the excess heat generated by the biochar production unit itself, creating a self-sustaining energy loop.
Pyrolysis: The Transformation
The dried biomass is fed into a pyrolyzer—a high-temperature, low-oxygen chamber similar to a furnace or clean reactor. Instead of burning and releasing its carbon, the material transforms into a stable, porous carbon structure: biochar.
Enrich and Apply
The biochar is then blended with local compost and organic nutrients to "activate" it before being applied back to the coffee fields.
The amount of biochar produced is carefully documented, allowing farmers to claim high-value, durable carbon removal credits on the voluntary carbon market.
Biochar Benefits
Reduces Supply Chain Emissions Biochar lowers both Scope 2 (energy use) and Scope 3 (supply chain) emissions by improving efficiency on farms and reducing methane from decomposing coffee waste.
Locks Carbon in the Soil By converting coffee byproducts into stable carbon, biochar stores it in the soil for hundreds of years—offering one of the most durable forms of carbon removal available today.
Improves Product Carbon Footprint These benefits help coffee brands lower their product emissions, meet climate targets, and qualify for low-carbon incentives.
Boosts Resilience and Yields
Healthier soil means stronger coffee trees, more stable harvests, and reduced need for chemical fertilizers.
Secures Supply Chains
By reducing climate and regulatory risks in sourcing regions, biochar strengthens long-term supply and operational stability.
Drives Market Advantage
Traceable, low-carbon coffee attracts sustainability-linked incentives and appeals to climate-conscious consumers.
Improves Soil and Crop Performance
Biochar enhances soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability—leading to better yields and long-term productivity.
Supports Regenerative Agriculture Goals
Provides measurable improvements that align with regenerative farming targets adopted by many coffee companies.
Turns Waste into a Climate Asset Coffee pulp and husks are upcycled into biochar—reducing landfill use, cutting methane emissions, and creating circular value.
Improves Farmer Livelihoods Farmers benefit from higher yields and the ability to earn income from carbon credit programs—supporting progress toward a living income.
Promotes Inclusion Biochar projects often create rural jobs and can be designed to increase participation from women and underrepresented producers.
With biochar in the soil, farmers can use less nitrogen fertilizer without sacrificing productivity—in some trials, yields rose even with 40% less nitrogen.
Biochar locks carbon from coffee waste into the soil, potentially for over 1,000 years. When used widely, it can help farms cut emissions and even go carbon-negative.
