Our publications on biochar
Here you will find some of our reports, studies, and articles from our work with biochar – ranging from early feasibility studies to current research and development projects. (However, most of it is available in Swedish.)
We share knowledge to drive progress forward and create better decision-making foundations for organizations that want to work with biochar in practice.
Reports
Nutrient leaching report
A laboratory study of nutrient leaching from different planting substrates in collaboration with Swedish cities, with a focus on nitrogen and phosphorus. The study shows that there are biochars that do not cause phosphorus leaching and can contribute to functional planting bed systems.
→ Read report
Sludge biochar – market potential, carbon credits and business model
EcoTopic, together with Roslagsvatten AB, produced a report on sludge biochar as a future solution for sustainable sludge management. The study analyzes technology, market potential, and business models for Swedish water and wastewater organizations, with a particular focus on climate benefits, phosphorus recovery, and the potential to create carbon sinks through pyrolysis.
→ Read report
SLU biochar production feasibility study
EcoTopic developed a decision support document for the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) to evaluate the possibility of using biochar as part of the university’s work toward climate neutrality by 2027. The study compared options such as in-house biochar production and purchasing biochar or carbon credits, and included analysis of feedstock availability, technical solutions, and investment calculations.
→ Read report
Sludge biochar report for Hässleholm
EcoTopic produced a decision support document for Hässleholm Miljö AB within the SpyCo project, focusing on the potential use of pyrolysis for wastewater sludge management. The study covers technology choices, market potential for sludge biochar, business models, as well as climate and environmental economic impacts.
→ Read report
Feasibility study biochar production – SÅM
A feasibility study carried out for the municipal company SÅM, focusing on the potential to produce biochar from garden waste in the region. The work covers technical, organizational, and system-level conditions for a joint solution.
→ Read report
Research and scientific contributions
Quality criteria for stormwater biofilter substrates
Contribution to a research report on stormwater management and urban planting beds, focusing on test methods for evaluating purification performance.
→ Read publication
Pyrolysis for heat production – biochar as a by-product
Early work analyzing pyrolysis as a technology and the role of biochar in energy systems. The work reflects the early stages of biochar development in Sweden and has contributed to our long-term expertise in the field.
→ Read publication
Biochar filters for PFAS removal (ongoing work)
Scientific work in progress focusing on biochar as a sorbent for PFAS in water, including column experiments and evaluation of different materials.
→ To be published
Projects & knowledge contributions
Residues to Best Use – development of biochar in Sweden
EcoTopic has been an active partner in the Vinnova-funded innovation project Residues to Best Use, where production, use, and business models for biochar have been developed and tested in practice.
→ Final report (phase 3)
→ Biochar handbook – for producers
→ Biochar handbook – for users
→ Video (short introductory film from the project)
Book
