Biochar is needed and it’s needed now.
Traditionally, if someone was purchasing biochar, you could be pretty sure that it would eventually end up in the ground, and for very good reason. Biochar boosts nutrient and water retention, resulting in increased root growth, higher yields and bigger produce. These benefits alone are enough reason to use biochar but, coupled with it’s sustainability credentials (sequestering carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere), biochar really is a win-win soil amendment.
Whilst we love what biochar can do for our soils, in more recent years, trade and industry have come to realise that biochar’s many varied properties mean its uses can extend far beyond soil. Biochar can be used in concrete, as an alternative to other, less sustainable components and can also be used as a remediator in industries such as water filtration. There have even been cases of biochar being used to speed up larval development in black soldier fly farming, and as a sustainable ingredient in an alternative to expanding foam! Who knows, in 10 years' time, we may be talking about biochar in ways we would never have imagined right now.
As you can see, as well as the well-researched and often talked-about biochar soil application, there are many other ways that biochar can be used. With such a range of uses, the demand for biochar in bulk is poised for substantial growth. That’s why Onnu Biochar are focused on three areas; scale, quality and expertise.
Biochar at Scale
Biochar’s positive benefits across a range of applications in trade and industry, all whilst sequestering carbon, makes it a true game-changer. The UK’s agricultural sector, for example, faces growing challenges due to soil degradation and climate change, at the same time needing to pivot to become more sustainable to meet upcoming net zero targets. Biochar offers a solution to combat each of these issues, but it can only be effective if it is available in the quantities that the industry needs. Essentially, there is no use talking about the benefits and discussing how biochar can be used if the capacity and scale isn’t there to achieve it.
Construction and waste management industries are beginning to incorporate biochar into their processes - not only because it is a more sustainable alternative to what is already in use but because it provides positive results. The UK’s environmental goals and legislative changes make it clear: biochar must be available at scale to help us achieve our net zero ambitions. Indeed, the industry should grow alongside other emerging carbon removal technologies, but biochar has proven itself to be one of the most achievable methods of carbon sequestration when it comes to set-up costs and scalability.
As the UK transitions towards a more circular economy, biochar’s role in reducing carbon emissions and improving environmental outcomes is even more critical. Biochar can be derived from waste products, including arboricultural residues and AD digestate. So, not only is biochar being used for good, but it is also helping us re-use our waste in a climate-positive way.
What is BioChar?
Biochar is a black, solid substance which bears a strong resemblance to charcoal. It is produced during pyrolysis (burning at a high temperature without oxygen) of biomass.
It is lightweight, fine-grained and very porous, which are all properties that are useful in its primary usage as a soil amendment.
Want biochar?
Check out our full range of products for different applications. Shop now!
Get Started
High-Quality Biochar
When it comes to biochar for trade and industry, quality is key. As with most products, not all biochar is created equal, and what comes out of a pyrolysis machine is generally only as good as what goes in. It’s for this exact reason that we complete extensive validation studies before moving on to conduct feedstock trials. Only once we have satisfied ourselves with the outcome of both assessments are we happy to produce biochar for commercial use. This is why all our biochar is EBC certified, ensuring that it is of the highest quality - giving you the best chance of successfully implementing biochar into your soil/product.
In industrial settings, biochar needs to meet specific standards and remain consistent when it comes to its carbon content, porosity, and particle size. It can take a concrete supplier many years to fully evaluate trials for biochar as an ingredient in its mix, so if a biochar producer changes feedstock or sieves to a larger particle size, all this work can be undone. And for carbon sequestration purposes, it is vital that biochar is durable and stable, with a long-term ability to lock away carbon.
On the opposite-side of the coin, low-quality biochar risks putting off adopters at a time when building positive momentum for such an important piece of the UK’s net zero puzzle is so crucial. For those new to biochar, it can be hard to distinguish the good stuff from the…not-so-good stuff. Luckily, accreditations like the EBC can help you in your search for high quality biochar.
Other biochar applications
Animal feed supplement: When ingested by livestock, biochar improves nutritional intake delivering health and growth benefits.
Low carbon building: Biochar is being considered as a replacement for aggregates in building materials due to its ability to create carbon-negative buildings, as well as its high porosity.
Industrial uses: Biochar can be used in water filtration to remove heavy metals and pollutants, or as a reductant in metals manufacturing.
The Importance of Conducting Trials and Expert Advice
Biochar is a complex material and, to make sure you see the desired outcomes, it is important that you trial it for your intended use before jumping in and buying biochar in bulk quantities. We have a team of Sustainability Consultants and Agronomists who can help you run trials for your biochar use, assessing various properties like pH levels and moisture content, all of which can impact the effectiveness of biochar in different applications.
We believe that a reputable biochar supplier should not only offer a quality product but also provide tailored advice and guidance to help you select the best specification for your application. The exact type of biochar you need will differ if you’re an agricultural business, compared to a construction firm, or landscaping company compared to a waste management operation. Consulting with biochar experts ensures that you’re maximising the performance and the environmental benefits to truly get the most value from your black gold.
Trialing biochar
Our team can assist you in running the right type of trial for your goals, considering factors like soil type, plot setting, irrigation, and moisture requirements.
Bulk Biochar in the UK is Needed Now
As the demand for biochar in the UK continues to grow, there’s an increasing need for bulk biochar that can meet the needs of industries at scale. Whether you need biochar for soil improvement on large-scale farms or for use in industrial applications, bulk purchasing ensures you can access a consistent, high-quality product at competitive prices.
It is important that trade biochar suppliers have the infrastructure to handle large orders, as well as the logistical capabilities to deliver products efficiently and on-time. This level of service is essential for businesses that need regular orders of biochar as a core part of their operations and is something that Onnu has spent many years perfecting at our own fulfilment centre.
Sustainable Biochar for Trade - Good for Business, Good for the Planet
Biochar allows companies to meet regulatory requirements and make large-scale, sustainable investments that can benefit their bottom line. By incorporating biochar into processes like wastewater treatment, or materials production, businesses can align with sustainability goals whilst ensuring that they stay ahead of the curve in terms of innovation.
The need for high-quality, rigorously tested biochar at scale in the UK is clear. From agricultural to industrial applications, biochar is a critical part of the green economy, offering real solutions to some of the UK’s most pressing environmental challenges. But, to reap the full benefits of biochar, businesses and industries must ensure they’re sourcing a high-quality spec and working with experienced consultants who can help them trial and evaluate.
When looking for bulk biochar, it’s not just about ensuring you are buying in at the right quantities, it’s about getting biochar that has been carefully tested, that meets the highest standards of quality (EBC), and that aligns with your unique needs. Working with experts who can help you in making the best decisions for your application needs will ultimately help you unlock the full potential of biochar, enhancing your sustainability initiatives and boosting your overall performance.
In the transition to a more sustainable future, biochar is an essential building block— one that the UK’s industry and trade sectors cannot afford to overlook.
Looking to bulk purchase biochar?
Need high quality biochar at scale, with expertise you can rely on? Get in touch for tailored pricing and to learn more about how we can supply your business with bulk biochar.
