Global Biochar Production Surges Nearly Threefold as Industry Enters New Era of Scale
For immediate release
[June 26, 2026]
Global Biochar Production Surges Nearly Threefold as Industry Enters New Era of Scale
The 2025 Global Biochar Market Report reveals rapid production growth, rising revenues, expanding carbon market participation, and increasing momentum across the Global South
The International Biochar Initiative (IBI) released its 2025 Global Biochar Market Report, revealing an industry that is rapidly transitioning from an emerging climate technology to a scaled global sector.
Based on responses from 930 stakeholders across 96 countries, the report provides one of the most comprehensive snapshots of the biochar industry to date. Participants included commercial producers, agricultural and non-agricultural users, distributors, equipment manufacturers, carbon market actors, consultants, and non-commercial biochar producers.
Among the report’s most significant findings: global biochar production reached an estimated 520,810 metric tonnes in 2025, up from 180,150 metric tonnes in 2023—representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 70 percent.
Production Expands Across New Regions
For the first time, Asia emerged as the world’s leading biochar-producing region, surpassing North America. Africa experienced the fastest regional growth rate among surveyed regions, while South America has become the third-largest producing region globally.
The findings suggest that biochar’s growth is no longer concentrated in traditional markets and that producers across the Global South are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the industry’s future.
Survey respondents project that global production could reach 3.5 million metric tonnes by 2027 and approach 9.3 million metric tonnes by 2030.
Revenue Growth Signals Market Maturity
Commercial producer revenues have expanded alongside production growth. The report estimates that revenue generated by commercial biochar producers increased from approximately $47 million in 2023 to $245 million in 2025.
The data also indicates that the value generated per tonne of biochar is increasing. Implied revenue per tonne nearly doubled during the same period, rising from $261 to $543.
These findings suggest the industry is not only producing more biochar but creating greater economic value from each tonne produced.
Carbon Markets Continue to Expand
The report found growing participation in carbon markets across the sector.
The percentage of producers reporting no carbon credit revenue declined from 58 percent in the 2023 survey to 35 percent in 2025, indicating broader adoption of carbon finance mechanisms.
While physical biochar sales remain the primary revenue source for many producers, carbon markets are becoming an increasingly important component of industry economics.
Key Challenges Remain
The report identifies three persistent barriers to industry growth:
- Low awareness of biochar as a product and climate solution (46%)
- Insufficient demand for physical biochar (39%)
- Limited access to capital (35%)
Agriculture continues to be the dominant market for biochar applications, while emerging uses—including soil remediation, building materials, and industrial applications—are gaining traction but remain in earlier stages of development.
The report concludes that continued growth will require stronger demand development, increased access to capital, clearer industry standards, and greater coordination among stakeholders throughout the biochar value chain.
About the Report
The 2025 Global Biochar Market Report is the second edition of IBI’s global industry survey and represents one of the largest collections of market intelligence available for the biochar sector. The Executive Summary is available for free to the public, while the full 57-page report is accessible for purchase at different tiers based on membership status. Access the report and learn more here.
About the International Biochar Initiative
The International Biochar Initiative (IBI) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the sustainable production and use of biochar through education, science, policy, and market development. In 2026, IBI celebrates its 20th anniversary of supporting the growth and integrity of the global biochar industry.