Ecochar offers a novel biochar-based carbon removal solution with outstanding biodiversity co-benefits: the removal of widespread and highly invasive rhododendron which threatens Scotland’s rare coastal temperate rainforest.

Treeconomy proposed a circular economy solution: converting the woody biomass from invasive rhododendron removal into biochar. This biochar would then be sold as carbon removal credits to corporate buyers, creating a private finance stream to fund further restoration work . The biochar is intended to be returned to the soil to improve health and store carbon for centuries .

Outcomes

By validating the chemical stability and environmental safety of rhododendron biochar, this funding has transformed a theoretical waste-management concept into a verified carbon removal solution. Treeconomy have successfully mitigated the primary technical risks regarding herbicide persistence and carbon durability and are now equipped with the scientific data required to approach corporate buyers, aiming to leverage private finance to solve one of Scotland’s most persistent ecological threats.

With the scientific validity of the product secured through our support, Treeconomy is now positioned to formalise relationships into a supply chain where land managers, such as RSPB, act as “biomass suppliers” and Treeconomy facilitates the carbon finance mechanism.

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