Suntory Group and AgriTech startup TOWING have launched a joint pilot program in Japan to assess the potential of high-performance 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 in regenerative agriculture. This initiative aims to upcycle beverage production byproducts and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by improving the efficiency of organic fertilizers.

The project repurposes used green tea leaves from Suntory’s manufacturing process to create biochar—a carbon-rich material formed through pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More. TOWING enhances this base material with soil-based microbes that accelerate the breakdown of organic matter. The resulting “high-performance biochar” improves nutrient delivery in soils, potentially reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers.

This effort addresses a broader issue in Japan, where food and crop waste accounts for nearly 20% of total industrial waste, much of which is incinerated or landfilled. By converting waste into a useful agricultural input, the pilot supports circular economy principles while tackling environmental waste concerns.

In its first field trial on a Suntory-contracted tea farm, soil treated with high-performance biochar demonstrated improved yields without compromising crop quality. The treatment outperformed traditional organic fertilizers, which are often less efficient than their synthetic counterparts. This suggests that biochar-enriched organic fertilizers may offer a viable pathway to sustainable yet productive agriculture.

The program is part of Suntory’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes support for regenerative farming practices like cover cropping, organic fertilization, and no-till cultivation. Previous initiatives include barley projects in the UK and sugarcane cultivation in Thailand. By collaborating with TOWING—also a Suntory investee—the company aims to develop scalable solutions that promote soil health and reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture.

The long-term goal is to establish regenerative practices that match conventional farming yields while significantly lowering GHG emissions. With agriculture and forestry accounting for 13% of global GHG emissions, innovations like this could help move the sector closer to carbon neutrality.

The pilot represents a significant step toward sustainable supply chain practices, with potential applications in broader geographies and crop types. Both companies remain committed to building a circular economy and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.