Biochar carbon removal

From biochar to
verified carbon removal.

Want to understand what lies behind a carbon credit? Here we distinguish between biochar as a material, documented end use and verification of the carbon dioxide stored.

Forest reflected in a lake

How does carbon removal happen?

Biomass contains carbon that plants have absorbed from the atmosphere. During pyrolysis, the biomass is converted into biochar with a stable carbon structure. The fraction credited as permanent carbon removal is assessed to persist for more than 1,000 years after incorporation into soil.

Both production and long-term end use need to be documented before the storage can be credited. Net carbon dioxide storage is calculated taking into account factors such as carbon stability and value chain emissions.

The journey of carbon from air to soil Carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants. Biomass is converted through pyrolysis while bioenergy is recovered. Biochar is added to soil for long-term carbon storage. The open, curved path ends in the soil, with no arrow returning to the atmosphere. CO₂ Carbon in the air Plants absorb CO₂ Pyrolysis + bioenergy Biochar in soil From air to soil.
From atmosphere to soil. The share counted as permanent carbon removal is assessed to persist for more than 1,000 years.

Three elements with distinct roles.

01

Biochar quality

EBC certification of biochar covers production and material requirements. A product certificate does not, in itself, mean that a carbon credit has been verified or transferred to the buyer.

02

Traceability

Production, delivery and use are documented. Carbonfuture provides MRV systems for traceability and evidence to support independent verification.

03

Verified carbon removal

Calculation and verification under the Global Biochar C-Sink Standard form the basis for issuing credits. The verified amount is expressed in tonnes of CO₂e.

Persistence for
more than 1,000 years.

Persistence is assessed through laboratory analysis of the carbon structure. Random reflectance (Ro) analysis is used to examine inertinite, the highly carbonised part of the biochar. Results are assessed under the standard governing the credits. Hydropyrolysis and the ratio of hydrogen to organic carbon are also used in the assessment.

The Global Biochar C-Sink Standard v3.3 specifies 90 per cent geologically persistent carbon (GPC) for biochar meeting the requirements of the highest persistence class. This is a conservative assessment of the share that persists for more than 1,000 years. The share applicable to your purchase is stated in the credit documentation.

Read more in the Global Biochar C-Sink Standard, Chapter 3 (opens in a new tab).

The EU certification framework — CRCF

CRCF (Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Certification Framework) is the EU framework for certifying permanent carbon removals, carbon farming and carbon storage in products. CSI is developing EU BCR, a biochar standard aligned with CRCF. CRCF certification requires recognition of the scheme by the European Commission and certification of the individual project.

Information current as of 13 September 2026. CSI information on EU BCR (opens in a new tab) · The EU CRCF Regulation (opens in a new tab)

What do we need as a buyer?

Ask for project and standard details, the verified amount, traceability and documentation of how credits are allocated and used. This information provides the basis for what you can communicate about your purchase.

Carbon credits complement efforts to reduce your own emissions. Carbon removal is reported separately from the company's emissions and emission reduction targets.

Choose how you want to finance climate action.

Contact / Jonatan Malmberg

Talk to us about carbon credits.

Would you like to purchase verified carbon credits or develop your own project? Start with the route that suits you. Jonatan can help with volume, timing and next steps.

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