COB group has officially announced the launch of COB carbon, a new enterprise dedicated to reducing carbon dioxide emissions across industrial value chains using 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. This new entity specializes in converting organic residual materials into high-quality biochar and strategically connecting these products with appropriate end markets. Managed by Christiaan Olde Bolhaar and Nils Rikhof, the company operates within the broader COB group, leveraging established expertise in the agricultural and substrate industries. The organization emphasizes a model centered on quality, scalability, and economic viability, specifically treating biochar as an individualized solution rather than a standardized commodity.

A primary challenge identified by COB carbon is the prevailing industry tendency to treat biochar as a generic product, which often fails to meet the specific technical and economic requirements of diverse industrial applications. Furthermore, many organizations lack the necessary integration between raw material selection, processing technology, and final application, leading to inefficiencies in both carbon removal and product performance. Bridging the gap between agricultural waste management and the high standards of the substrate industry—while ensuring the economic sustainability of the entire process—remains a significant hurdle for large-scale decarbonization efforts.

To address these complexities, COB carbon has implemented an “input-first” strategy, recognizing that the choice of raw material is the critical determinant of quality and process cost. Their solution involves providing strategic and technical consulting alongside the marketing of both physical biochar and CO₂ certificates. The company works directly with partners to develop tailored biochar solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing value chains. To validate these methods in a real-world setting, COB carbon is currently developing a pilot facility in Bad Bentheim, Germany, which focuses on localized production and regional circularity.

The outcomes of this initiative represent a strategic advancement toward a sustainable circular economy within the European horticultural and industrial sectors. By integrating biochar as a high-quality raw material into substrate production, COB carbon is providing a viable alternative to traditional components, supporting the industry’s shift toward renewable materials. The company’s specialized production process ensures the delivery of coarse, porous biochar that improves soil health and water retention while securing long-term carbon storage. Ultimately, the launch of COB carbon establishes a professional framework for industries to meet climate disclosure requirements while gaining a competitive edge through verified carbon removal.