BLOCK Biochar
BLOCK Biochar transform local hedgerow and waste wood into high-quality biochar. Through a special pyrolysis process, the carbon in the biomass is bound instead of escaping into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO₂). The result is biochar that makes an active contribution to fight climate change, directly from the region.
CARBON Removal Method
Industrial Biochar
Location
Germany
Launched
2023
Vintage year
2023
About project
BLOCK biochar's story is closely tied to their family's agricultural business. Shortly after Mathis took over the dairy farm from their father, he repeatedly faced animal health problems that couldn't be solved using conventional methods. In search of sustainable solutions, Mathis discovered biochar and its numerous benefits.
Their company was incorporated in 2021, with project operations kicking off in 2023.
As two brothers, we share one mission: transforming the resources of our region into solutions that empower farmers and make a global impact.
-Steffen Block, CEO & Co-founder
About supplier
The core mission of BLOCK Biochar is focused on climate action that benefits the regional ecosystem and agricultural community, emphasizing environmental rejuvenation alongside agricultural enrichment.
The brothers are now focused on increasing efficiency and scaling production while maintaining short biomass delivery distances to preserve the carbon sink potential.
Benefits of Project & Method
- BLOCK Bio's plant is the showcase system for the advanced Carbo-FORCE pyrolysis system, where they offer tours for interested clients.
- The wood used as the input material is a regional waste product from agricultural hedge cultivation.
- The project is quite active with local knowledge sharing. For example, They’ve held an open house event at the plant to raise the awareness about biochar and shared learnings they have made. Also present at events with local universities and government bodies.
- Block Bio uses a high Technological Readiness Level (TRL) system.
- Real-time data tracking with end-to-end monitoring through Cula technologies.
- Biochar improves plant health, soil fertility and reduces fertiliser use. It also improves animal welfare as a feed additive.
- It increases water infiltration and retention, reducing runoff and improves the water-holding capacity, making crops more resilient to drought conditions.
More information
Two brothers from Dithmarschen, Schleswig-Holstein, are turning local hedgerow and waste wood into high-quality biochar. They utilise an advanced Carbo-FORCE pyrolysis system of production. Each kilogram of their biochar removes up to 3.1 kg of CO₂, making it a significant contributor to climate protection—right from the region.
Their production supports local farmers by providing an additional revenue stream for residual biomass. Additionally, the biochar offers numerous benefits, including restoring soil health and boosting crop yields.
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Highlight
This project exemplifies how traditional agriculture can be combined with innovative, sustainable solutions - for healthy animals, fertile soils, and a better future. As one of the first two plants worldwide to integrate machine data into biochar verification, they ensure high permanence for biochar carbon removal.
Additionally, BLOCK Pflanzenkohle has been recognised with the following:
- EBC-certified (European Biochar Certificate), holding the EBC-AgroOrganic certification for use in agriculture and organic farming. They also possess the EBC Sink Certificate, recognising their achievements in carbon sequestration and negative emissions through biochar production.
- In 2023, BLOCK Pflanzenkohle earned first place in the VR Förderpreis Landwirtschaft (VR Agricultural Prize) for their project "Biochar from Dithmarschen," highlighting their leadership in sustainable agriculture, regional resource utilisation, and soil health improvement.
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