Biochar Market Size & Forecast Report, 2014 - 2025

The global Biochar market is anticipated to exhibit a healthy CAGR during the forecast period, according to a report available on Million Insights. Biochar refers to charcoal produced by burning waste materials such as wood waste, agricultural waste, forest waste, and animal manure under controlled conditions. The production process of biochar is based on heat rate, residence time, and temperature. Thermal decomposition of biomass in absence of oxygen produces a mixture of liquid (bio-oil), solids (biochar), and gas (syngas) products.

Rising demand for organic farming and high crop yield owing to rising population is anticipated to propel biochar market growth. Growing awareness among consumers regarding the health benefits of organic food is promoting organic farming. Thereby, farmers are using chemical-free products to improve soil fertilization and crop yield. In addition, increasing the use of biochar in the water treatment process is also expected to impel market growth. The product is capable of removing multiple inorganic, organic, and microbial contaminants from water to provide safe drinking water. Unlike other existing water treatment technologies, biochar is capable of removing biological, chemical, and physical containments while maintaining organoleptic properties.

To cater to the rising demand for biochar, manufacturing companies are investing in R&D to develop advanced methods of producing biochar in bulk. For instance, in July 2010, Aries got all kinds of permits to contract a biosolids-only gasification facility in New Jersey. The plant will process 400 tons of biosolids every day using a fluidized bed gasification system. Thereby, it will produce 22 tons of biochar each day by processing 400 tons of biosolids. In addition, the facility will also contribute to the environment by reducing greenhouse gases. Unlike conventional disposable methods of industrial waste, this plant will eliminate the land application of biosolids.

Technology Insights:

Based on technology, the biochar market can be categorized into gasification, pyrolysis, and hydrothermal carbonization. The pyrolysis segment is anticipated to hold the largest market share over the forecast period owing to high yield and process stability. The end-product obtained through pyrolysis is rich in carbon content, which makes it highly useful for agricultural purposes. Hydrothermal carbonization technology, on the other hand, is slowly gaining traction among small-scale producers.

Application Insights:

In terms of application, the biochar industry can be classified into gardening, agriculture, and household. Agriculture is expected to be the largest application segment and is predicted to maintain its dominance in the coming years. Biochar improves water and fertilizer holding capacity in the soil, which provide essential nutrients to crop and promote plant growth. Soil degradation and accumulation of pesticide residues are the two major problems being faced by farmers. The application of biochar is likely to alleviate these problems by fertilizing the soil and accumulating essential nutrients for plants.

Regional Insights:

Regional segmentation includes Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Central and South America, and the Middle East and Africa. North America is anticipated to hold the largest market share over the forecast period. This is attributed to the rising demand for organic food products among consumers in the region. Growing awareness among humans regarding the health benefits of organic food is promoting the use of chemical-free farming techniques. In addition, increasing the use of biochar in poultry farming to reduce bad odors from litter and ammonia. It is able to absorb liquids, gases, and ammonia to eliminate bad odor. Moreover, an increasing number of small and large-scale manufacturing companies will drive the market over the forecast period.

The Asia Pacific, on the other hand, is expected to exhibit significant CAGR in the coming years owing to the growth of the agriculture industry in India and China. Supportive initiatives taken by the government in these developing economies to promote organic farming will drive regional growth.

Some of the key players in the biochar market are Agri-Tech Producers LLC, Chargrow LLC, Genesis Industries, Green Charcoal International, and Cool Planet Energy Systems. Companies are adopting business strategies such as mergers and acquisitions to gain a competitive edge and to expand their product portfolio.

Market Segment:

Biochar Technology Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
    • Pyrolysis
    • Gasification
    • Others

Biochar Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
    • Agriculture
        • Livestock
        • Farming
        • Others
    • Others

Biochar Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
    • North America
        • U.S.
        • Canada
        • Mexico
    • Europe
        • Germany
        • U.K.
        • France
        • Sweden
        • Denmark
    • the Asia Pacific
        • Australia
        • China
        • India
        • Japan
        • Malaysia
    • Central & South America
    • Middle East & Africa