Hawaii Biochar Products

Pacific Biochar Benefit Corporation, formerly known as Hawaii Biochar Products, is a manufacturer and distributor of biochar products for agricultural and environmental applications. The company was founded by Josiah Hunt, who began experimenting with biochar production in Hawaii in 2008 after learning about its potential for soil fertility and carbon sequestration. Hunt started his first biochar company in 2009 with the help of a USDA research grant and later established Pacific Biochar in California in 2016, with college friend Michael Fallon joining as a co-founder.

The company's business model centers on partnering with existing biomass energy plants and modifying their stoker boilers to co-produce biochar from residual wood feedstock, much of which is sourced from efforts to reduce wildfire risk in California. This approach leverages existing infrastructure to scale production. Pacific Biochar's revenue is generated through the direct sale of its biochar products to the agricultural sector and through the sale of carbon removal credits. The sale of these credits, which began in earnest around 2020, has been crucial in making the biochar affordable for farmers and enabling the company's growth. In November 2020, Pacific Biochar, in partnership with Humboldt Sawmill, registered the first certified biochar carbon credits in North America.

Pacific Biochar serves a range of clients, primarily in the agricultural sector, including farms and vineyards, who use the biochar to improve soil health, water retention, and crop yields. Their products are also used in compost operations and, more recently, for animal feed, having received a Commercial Feed License in California in December 2022. The company has received grant funding from the USDA and an equity investment from carbon offsetting platform Wren to scale its carbon removal capacity. Operating from facilities in California and Hawaii, the company distributes its products both wholesale and retail.

Keywords: biochar production, carbon removal credits, soil amendment, sustainable agriculture, biomass energy, agricultural technology, carbon sequestration, soil health, forestry residue, organic input material, climate solutions, carbon drawdown, wildfire risk reduction, soil fertility, wholesale biochar, agricultural chemicals, ecosystem management, regenerative agriculture, carbon credits, environmental services.