In 2024, Shopify reinforced its commitment to tackling climate change by significantly increasing its investments in carbon removal technologies. Among the highlights was Shopify’s renewed focus on 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, a sustainable solution with dual benefits: carbon sequestration and soil improvement.

Shopify supported four innovative biochar companies:

Applied Carbon: A mobile biochar solution in the U.S. received funding to deploy field systems in Texas, integrating biochar with crop production for large-scale impact.

BIOSORRA: Based in Kenya, BIOSORRA will double the capacity of its first biochar production facility and expand its team.

MASH Makes: This Indian company is scaling its biochar and biofuel facility to meet the growing demand in the region.

Planboo: With operations across the tropics, Planboo supports artisanal biochar projects, helping enhance efficiency and scale globally.

These partnerships are part of Shopify’s $36.3 million in carbon removal purchases in 2024, including other technologies like enhanced rock weathering and ocean alkalinity enhancement. Biochar alone accounted for over 11,000 tonnes of carbon removal. Shopify’s funding also helps these companies overcome barriers like market demand, providing upfront payments to accelerate their growth.

By backing biochar innovators, Shopify is fostering scalable solutions to mitigate climate change while creating sustainable economic opportunities. As we move into 2025, expanding commercial support for these technologies will be critical to driving long-term climate action.