Hamburg-based CO2 removal company Novocarbo has issued the first carbon removal (CDR) credits generated from its biochar-enhanced asphalt pilot in Germany. These verified, high-quality credits are now available on the market for buyers pursuing sustainability objectives, representing a potential method for decarbonizing the typically emission-heavy construction industry.

The credits originate from the company’s Carbon Removal Park Baltic Sea site, which began operations in Grevesmühlen, Germany, in 2023. This location is designed to demonstrate a comprehensive approach to climate technology, integrating both CDR and green heat production. According to Novocarbo, the facility holds the capacity to remove 3,200 tons of CO2 annually, alongside the production of 1,700 tons of 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 and 6,600 MWh of eco-friendly heat.

The pilot program, a collaboration with Hansa Asphalt, was launched in June 2025 with the aim of creating a carbon-absorbing road construction material. The trial involved mixing nearly seven tons of biochar into the top layer of a road surface material, constituting about 3% of the total volume. The experiment successfully demonstrated the material’s capability for carbon removal.

The integration of biochar provided additional advantages beyond sequestering CO2. The biochar was shown to improve the viscosity and overall performance of the final asphalt. Furthermore, due to its antioxidative properties, the material may enhance the asphalt’s resistance to aging. This improvement in durability is significant, as rising global temperatures present a growing threat to the lifespan of conventional road construction materials. Each Novocarbo asphalt credit certifies permanently stored CO2 and is traceable under the European Biochar Certificate, which enforces strict criteria for feedstockFeedstock refers to the raw organic material used to produce biochar. This can include a wide range of materials, such as wood chips, agricultural residues, and animal manure. More origin and pollutant thresholds.