Weyerhaeuser Company and Aymium have officially entered a memorandum of understanding to partner on the production and sale of sustainable biocarbon, targeting an annual output of 1.5 million tons. As part of this strategic move, the two entities have formed a joint venture named TerraForge Biocarbon Solutions. The partnership’s initial phase involves the construction of a production facility adjacent to Weyerhaeuser’s existing lumber operations in McComb, Mississippi, United States. This agreement represents a significant convergence of large-scale sustainable forestry management with advanced biocarbon conversion technology, aiming to supply the global metals market.

There is an urgent need to decarbonize “hard-to-abate” heavy industries, particularly metal production involving iron, steel, silicon, and ferro-alloys. These sectors have historically relied heavily on fossil-based coal and coke for energy and reduction agents. Transitioning away from these carbon-intensive inputs often presents significant logistical and financial hurdles, as many alternative fuels require expensive capital investments or extensive modifications to existing manufacturing infrastructure. Consequently, the industry faces a critical shortage of scalable, “drop-in” renewable replacements that can immediately reduce emissions without disrupting established production processes.

To resolve this bottleneck, the solution leverages the complementary strengths of both organizations. Weyerhaeuser provides a secure, long-term supply of wood fiber 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 from its extensive timberland holdings, while Aymium contributes its proprietary non-combustion technology. The technology converts wood fiber into high-purity biocarbon products that function as direct replacements for coal and coke. By locating the new facility in Mississippi directly next to feedstock sources, the partnership optimizes logistics and ensures a steady flow of raw materials. This integration of feedstock security with proven conversion capabilities allows for the rapid scaling necessary to meet industrial demand.

The outcomes of this agreement project a substantial shift in the availability of industrial-grade biocarbon. Once the McComb facility comes online in 2027, it will serve as the first node in a platform capable of converting over 7 million tons of wood fiber annually. For the metals industry, this provides a reliable source of carbon-negative materials to lower their environmental footprint.