Novocarbo

The core of Novocarbo's business is building and operating "Carbon Removal Parks" across Europe. These facilities utilize state-of-the-art pyrolysis technology to convert certified biogenic waste—such as forest residues and wood trimmings—into biochar at high temperatures in a low-oxygen environment. This process effectively locks carbon, which would have otherwise been released into the atmosphere through decomposition, into a stable form for over 1,000 years. The company's business model is structured around three primary revenue streams: the sale of high-quality biochar, the generation and sale of certified Carbon Removal Credits, and the provision of surplus climate-neutral heat. The first Carbon Removal Credit was issued in 2020. A significant milestone was achieved in early 2024 when Novocarbo secured €25 million in a funding round led by SWEN Capital Partners to accelerate the expansion of its Carbon Removal Parks, with an ambition to build up to 200 sites by 2033.

Novocarbo's main product, biochar, is a versatile material with applications in agriculture, construction, and other industries. In agriculture, it enhances soil quality by improving water and nutrient retention and reduces the need for irrigation. It is also being explored as a sustainable additive in building materials like cement and asphalt, potentially substituting carbon-intensive components. A key co-product of the pyrolysis process is renewable heat. Novocarbo offers this energy to municipal utilities and industrial clients through "heat-as-a-service" partnerships, contributing to the decarbonization of local energy supplies. The company serves a range of clients, from agricultural businesses to large corporations like Bayer and Swiss Re, who purchase biochar and carbon credits to meet their sustainability and carbon offsetting targets.