Episode 4: Putting A Label On It
Welcome back to Grounded: A Climate Startup Journey. If you're new here, I'd recommend starting with Blog 1 to catch the full story. For the rest of you, let's dive into Episode 4, where the rollercoaster that is launching a biochar business continues.
1: Stuck but Moving
In the last episode, I was in a bit of a pyrolysis shaped pickle trying to find the right machine for my small-scale pilot project. The batch system seemed like the best approach, but I was worried about certifying carbon removal credits due to standards.
Everything felt overwhelming. The entire point of this venture was to create a business that could remove carbon from the atmosphere and get paid for it. I was having one of those existential crises moments. Meanwhile, the other business ‘stuff’ continued.
Incorporating Restord
During the holidays, amidst the festive chaos, I kept a promise to myself: incorporating my business before the end of 2023. It wasn’t glamorous, but it felt significant.
“Restord” – without the 'E' at the end – was born. The name symbolised our mission to restore the planet’s health and store carbon in the soil. It felt like a millennial startup move, dropping a letter for effect. And you know what? I quite liked it.
Recording the Journey
I also started working on the podcast “Grounded”, recording most waking moments much to the annoyance of family & friends. This wasn’t just for me; I hoped it would be for future biochar producers or climate founders. The podcast was a way for me to stay accountable and keep the story alive.
2: Overcoming Standards
After a few sleepless nights, I was convinced that a batch system was the way to go, CapChar’s machine and team seemed the best fit. However, producing carbon removal credits was a hurdle due to emission and heat recovery standards.
Recap on H/C Ratio and Emissions
CapChar’s biochar was well within leading standards’ durability requirements. However, emissions, particularly methane, were a concern. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and reducing its release during biochar production is crucial. CapChar’s solution involved gas flaring, which, while not ideal, was necessary to minimise environmental impact.
Heat Recovery
CapChar was working on heat recovery methods to improve their process. They were developing a hot water heat exchanger system to use waste heat for practical purposes, like drying biomass. This innovation could help me dramatically speed up my drying and biochar production process.
Navigating Standards
I further explored different certification options, including the European Biochar Certificate (EBC) and Puro. EBC required 70% waste heat utilisation, which was a challenge. However, I learned about potential exemptions for pilot projects. Puro required large-scale projects, but teaming up with a project developer like CarbonFuture might offer a pathway to their platform.
A Collaborative Approach
It was at this time that I was made aware of CapChar’s plan to create their own certification standard for small-scale production in the UK. This new standard could pave the way for more producers to enter the space. The goal was to gain industry trust and recognition from independent bodies, making carbon removal credits more accessible… Another potential reason to partner with them on this pilot.
Here’s a slide to contextualise how complex the journey or producing, certifying and retiring a credit actually is…
3: Defining the Relationship
I travelled to Oxford to meet Adam and Chintan from CapChar and discuss our partnership. Instead of a simple buyer-supplier relationship, CapChar wanted a partnership. We agreed on a 50:50 machine ownership model, splitting the initial deposit.
Shared Goals
This partnership allowed us to leverage each other’s strengths. Restord would handle labour, location, supply chain, and biochar delivery. CapChar would provide the technology (the machine), software, data collection, and a registry for carbon credits.
We’re better together
CapChar’s involvement in the project reduced my risk. They’d be on hand to help with any issues, and their engineering team would assist with machine maintenance. This collaboration felt innovative and aligned with the collaborative nature of the carbon removal industry.
4: First Funding and Future Vision
Right, so I’ve finally found my machine and with it a willing partner in CapChar. Funding was the next challenge. Through the GGR Future Leaders Network (FLN), I found small grants that could support the podcast and initial project costs. The FLN’s microfinance program proved invaluable both in validating my efforts and offering crucial financial support.
Looking Ahead
My vision for the project extended beyond the pilot phase. The goal was to scale up and achieve large-scale carbon removal. This journey would involve continuous learning, building relationships, and adapting to challenges… What would happen beyond pilot phase?
Starting a biochar business is a rollercoaster of emotions and obstacles. From incorporating Restord to navigating standards and securing funding, each step brings new challenges and learning opportunities. Stay tuned for the next episode as we continue this exciting journey.
If you want to listen to Episode 4, click the link below 👇👇
Thank you to the guests who featured in this episode, including:
Chintan Mahida – Co-Founder, CapChar
Adam Samuel – Co-Founder, CapChar
Nikolaus Wohlgemuth – Carbon Markets Expert & Head of Supply, Carbonfuture
Francesca Battersby – Chair, Executive Committee, GGR Future Leaders Network
