Climeworks, the Swiss-based leader in direct air capture (DAC), has officially expanded its operational scope by launching “Climeworks Solutions,” a portfolio offering that integrates biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More alongside its proprietary DAC technology. This strategic shift, announced as part of an effort to provide high-quality carbon dioxide removal (CDR) at scale, positions biochar as a key component of a diversified climate strategy. By vetting biochar suppliers through a rigorous scientific lens, Climeworks aims to ensure that nature-based and engineered solutions work in tandem to meet the net-zero requirements of international corporate clients, such as the luxury watchmaker Breitling.

The primary challenge addressed by this expansion is the inherent risk and complexity associated with a nascent CDR market. Many corporate buyers struggle to distinguish between high-durability removals and lower-quality offsets, often facing “information asymmetries” regarding the measurability and permanence of different methods. Within the biochar industry specifically, ensuring “additionality”—the proof that the carbon removal would not have occurred without the credit incentive—remains a significant hurdle for large-scale procurement. Without institutional vetting, companies are hesitant to invest in biochar due to concerns over scientific integrity and long-term storage verification.

To mitigate these risks, Climeworks has implemented a solution rooted in centralized verification and portfolio diversification. Acting as a curator and quality guarantor, Climeworks applies its “scientific rigor” and experience in DAC to select biochar projects that meet strict criteria for durability (100+ years) and measurable impact. This approach allows companies to balance their climate portfolios by combining the immediate co-benefits and cost-effectiveness of biochar with the ultra-permanent storage of DAC. By managing the full lifecycle of the removal credit, the institute simplifies the transition for companies moving from emission avoidance to active atmospheric drawdown.

The outcome of this initiative is a more robust and bankable market for biochar within the global CDR ecosystem. By providing a “structured roadmap” for procurement, Climeworks is effectively de-risking biochar for institutional investors and multinational corporations. This has already resulted in long-term agreements that provide biochar producers with the financial stability needed to scale operations. Furthermore, the inclusion of biochar in high-profile portfolios validates it as a “high-integrity” removal method, encouraging broader adoption across the agricultural and industrial sectors of the United States and Europe.