Biochar Market (By Technology: Pyrolysis, Gasification, Others; By Feedstock: Woody Biomass, Agricultural Waste, Animal Manure, Others; By Application: Agriculture, Forestry, Electricity Generation, Others) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Regional Outlook, and Forecast 2023-2032


The global biochar market size was evaluated at USD 220.27 million in 2022 and it is expanding to hit around USD 633.31 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 11.14% from 2023 to 2032. The rising importance of biochar to increase soil porosity and reduce soil water loss is considered to boost the demand for biochar in the global market.

Biochar Market Size 2023 To 2032

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Key Takeaways

  • Asia Pacific dominates the global market
  • The pyrolysis technology segment dominates the market and is expected to sustain growth between 2023 and 2032.
  • The agricultural waste feedstock segment leads the market.
  • The agriculture application segment gains the largest revenue share in the market.

Biochar Market Overview

Biochar is a carbon-rich product made from biomass. Biochar is a porous form of charcoal that is widely used to improve the quality of the soil. Considered a future of sustainable agriculture, biochar carries enormous benefits for soil and the ecosystem. Biochar is a natural fertilizer used as a soil amendment. Biochar has been helping the earth by increasing its physical, chemical, and biological properties. 

The biochar is made with pyrolysis technology by heating the biomass to form a charcoal-like substance. Later, this biochar is mixed with compost or vermicompost before it enters the soil. The world is facing multiple challenges, be it climate change, rapidly increasing population, or rising pollution. Biochar is believed to slow down the release of hazardous greenhouse gases from the soil. Which apparently helps in reducing CO2 from the atmosphere. 

The utilization of biochar is considered to ease farming by reducing the use of chemicals and welcoming organic products into the market. Along with the reduced emissions of carbon, biochar also offers carbon sequestration, reduced soil acidity and increased water retention for soil.

Biochar Market Scope

Report Coverage Details
Market Size in 2023 USD 244.81 Million
Market Size by 2032 USD 633.31 Million
Growth Rate from 2023 to 2032 CAGR of 11.14%
Largest Market Asia Pacific
Second Largest Market North America
Base Year 2022
Forecast Period 2023 to 2032
Segments Covered By Technology, By Feedstock and By Application
Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa


Biochar Market Dynamics

The global biochar market is anticipated to witness a significant increase during the estimated period of 2023-2032. Rising investment in the agricultural sector by governments is considered the primary driver for the growth of the biochar market. Increasing awareness for global organic yet environmentally friendly products due to rising environmental concerns is another driver for the market’s growth. 

The rising importance of renewable energy has boosted the utilization of biochar in energy production industries; the demand is expected to grow in the coming years. Biochar is also considered a sustainable source to manage food security, energy security and climate change. Many governments are focused on implementing regulatory policies to reduce carbon emissions through agricultural activities; this factor will fuel the growth of the biochar market. 

Other factors such as rising research and development (R&D) activities, new product launches, rising international trading of agricultural bio-products, and easy availability of feedstock are considered drivers for the growth of the global biochar market.  

However, the high production cost of biochar acts as a restraining factor for the market’s growth. Biochar production takes longer to be prepared than chemical fertilizers; this factor is seen as another restraining factor for the market. Lack of awareness about biochar in the market is another factor hindering the growth of the global biochar market. Easy availability of chemical fertilizers in the market, quality control, lack of investment, and side effects caused by the overuse of biochar are a few other factors that hamper the market's growth.  

Covid-19 Impacts:

The sudden outbreak of the coronavirus adversely impacted every industry and business across the globe. Similarly, the pandemic has negatively impacted the global biochar market in the initial phase. The sales of biochar products are highly dependent on the agricultural sector. 

The slower economic growth and highly affected global economy affected agricultural activities at the beginning of the pandemic. Subsequently, the overall market condition of the agriculture sector impacted the global biochar market. Due to the restrictions imposed during the lockdown, companies/factories were forced to shut down, negatively affecting biochar production.

Moreover, restrictions on transportation and shipping caused a disrupted supply chain and shortage of raw materials as well as biochar products for importers. Factors such as a limited workforce, reduced incomes, affected global economy, paused research and development activities, and limited product launches adversely affected the market’s growth during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

However, the global biochar market started recovering as several governments relaxed the restrictions. The production plants were restored for production, and the recovery of agricultural output fueled the market's growth. The global biochar market is expected to recover at a pace after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Technology Insights

Based on technology, the pyrolysis segment dominates the global biochar market and is expected to maintain growth during the forecast period. Pyrolysis is the process of converting biomass to form biochar at a particular temperature range. Pyrolysis is the most effective and widely used process for creating biochar under oxygen-deprived conditions, as it can potentially convert any biomass into biochar.

The pyrolysis technology is preferred for forming biochar as it offers multiple economic and environmental benefits. The pyrolysis process is further segmented into slow, moderate, and fast pyrolysis. However, fast pyrolysis at the elevated temperature of 500°C is considered the ideal state for biochar formation.  

However, the gasification segment is estimated to witness a significant increase in the upcoming year owing to the continuous advancement in gasification technology. The gasification process partially combusts biomass/biowaste to produce high-quality biochar. This thermal conversion process was initially developed for converting coal. In recent years, agriculture started using this technology for biochar production.

Feedstock Insights

Based on feedstock, the agricultural waste segment dominates the global biochar market. The agricultural waste segment comprises corncob, oil palm shells, coconut shells, palm fronds, palm leaves, bamboo, rice straw, cassava rhizomes, and rice husk for biochar production. This method is primarily used in underdeveloped or economically weaker countries due to its easy availability and affordability. Later, the efficiency of these agricultural wastes is induced by the pyrolysis process.  

On the other hand, the animal manure segment is predicted to dominate the market in the upcoming years. Sheep, cow, or chicken manure are considered to be the best animal manure for the production of biochar. Animal excrement carries high nutritional value and acts as a soil conditioner. Rising demand for environmentally friendly products has boosted the animal manure segment recently. 

The utilization of cattle manure in biochar reduces the need for fertilizers at the time of cultivation, it is also considered a natural fertilizer. The rising demand for animal manure is attributed to the fact that it can retain nutrients in the soil for years by maintaining the quality of the soil.

Application Insights

Based on application, the agriculture segment acquires the largest revenue share in the global biochar market. Biochar is considered a natural fertilizer for enhancing the quality of the soil. Rising awareness about the side effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on the environment and crops is boosting the importance of biochar for agricultural activities. 

Utilization of biochar offers enhanced crop productivity, bulk density, biological nitration fixation, maintained soil moisture and multiple other benefits. Considering these potential benefits provided by biochar to the soil, the agriculture segment is predicted to grow during the estimated period. In the agricultural sector, plant-based biochar is also preferred as an excellent supplement for animals (cattle). It offers proper nutritional value to improve blood levels, and digestion and remove toxins from the body. 

Another segment, electricity generation, is expected to grow at a significant rate. Biochar is seen as a renewable resource for electricity generation. Rising awareness for green energy due to rising environmental concerns is expected to boost the electricity generation segment in the global biochar market. Rising carbon emissions are prone to increase the utilization of biochar in forestry. 

The soil in forests tends to lose its prosperity due to wildfires, deforestation and many other reasons. The utilization of biochar as a soil amendment can restore soil quality by improving the fertility of the soil. However, the cost and efforts for implementing biochar as a soil amendment in forests are likely to hinder the growth of the forestry segment.

Regional Insights

Geographically, Asia Pacific dominates the global biochar market, and it is projected to grow at a significant rate during the estimated period. The rapid increase in the agricultural sector in countries such as India and China has boosted the growth of the biochar market in the region. Rising research and development activities in the region to produce biochar products in order to boost crop yield are seen as major drivers for the development of the biochar market. 

North America is the second-largest market for biochar products. Rising awareness for organic food products acts as a driver for the growth of the biochar market in North America. Europe is expected to witness a shift during the forecast period. Strict environmental standards for agricultural activities have boosted the demand for biochar in the region. 

Biochar Market Share, By Region, 2022 (%)

Moreover, large-scale companies in major European countries have propelled the market's growth. Furthermore, factors such as rising investments in research and development (R&D) activities and new product launches are anticipated to boost the growth of the European biochar market.  

Brazil and Mexico are the most significant contributors to the expansion of the biochar market in Latin America. Several governments in Latin America are focused on implementing standards to reduce greenhouse carbon emissions; this is projected to boost the demand for biochar from various industries. However, the pace of market growth is steady in the Middle East and Africa.

Recent Developments

  • In December 2022, EVOIA announced its first product ‘AmpliFyr’ manufactured from biochar. The product is launched for soybean, corn and wheat. AmpliFyr increases the seedling root by inducing the growth of crops. 
  • In December 2022, an agricultural technology unit of LG Chem, Farm Hannong, launched a joint project to accelerate the popularization of biochar. 
  • In December 2022, Crystal Courtney from Cincinnati Parks Division invested $1.1 million in a carbon-negative biochar project. The investment aims to launch a small pilot project for biochar production. 
  • In December 2022, SWVA Biochar LLC, a Floyd-based biochar company, announced an investment of $2.6 million to expand its business operations by creating multiple job opportunities. The company is focused on producing products that will benefit multiple industries and the environment. 
  • In December 2022, a company focused on the well-being of people, Malachite Innovations Inc., announced the launch of Terra Preta. Terra Preta is a new business that produces proprietary forms of biochar for agricultural purposes. Biochar products by Terra Preta will promote the growth of the crops.  
  • In August 2022, a specialized carbon reduction and offsetting company, Invert Inc, published a Verra biochar methodology. The company’s head of carbon forestry, Matt Delaney, contributed to the development of this biochar methodology which states the natural ways to utilize biochar in soil and other applications. 
  • In May 2022, Carbon Streaming Corporation announced the signing of a strategic agreement with a subsidiary of Restoration Bioproducts LLC. This agreement supports the construction of a biochar production facility in Virginia.  

Biochar Market Companies

The key players in the global biochar market are focused on the progressive trends of the market to stay competitive in the market with research and development activities, new product launch and business strategies. Major companies involved in the global biochar market are-

  • Airex Energy Inc.
  • Biochar Supreme
  • Farm2Energy Pvt Ltd
  • Pacific Biochar Corporation
  • ProActive Agriculture
  • Phoenix Energy

Segments Covered in the Report:

(Note*: We offer report based on sub segments as well. Kindly, let us know if you are interested)

By Technology

  • Pyrolysis
  • Gasification
  • Others 

By Feedstock

  • Woody Biomass
  • Agricultural Waste
  • Animal Manure
  • Others 

By Application

  • Agriculture
  • Forestry
  • Electricity Generation 
  • Others

By Geography

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Latin America
  • The Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biochar market size?
The global biochar market size was accounted at USD 220.27 million in 2022 and it is expected to reach around USD 633.31 million by 2032.
What will be the CAGR of global biochar market?
The global biochar market is poised to grow at a CAGR of 11.14% from 2023 to 2032.
Who are the prominent players operating in the biochar market?
The major players operating in the biochar market are Airex Energy Inc., Biochar Supreme, Farm2Energy Pvt Ltd, Pacific Biochar Corporation, ProActive Agriculture, Phoenix Energy and Others.
Which are the driving factors of the biochar market?
The driving factors of the biochar market are the rising investment in the agricultural sector by governments, increasing awareness for global organic yet environmentally friendly products and rising environmental concerns.
Which region will lead the global biochar market?
Asia Pacific region will lead the global biochar market during the forecast period 2023 to 2032.

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