Pecan nutshell makes up 55% of total nut mass and is usually burned for process heat or left to decompose as mulch — releasing its carbon straight back into the atmosphere. Diverting it to biochar locks that carbon away for centuries instead of releasing it in weeks.
Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich material made by heating plant residues to 350-1000°C with little oxygen. It locks carbon into solid form long-term and boosts soil nutrients and plant productivity.
Located in South East Queensland, Australia, the project converts organic waste, macadamia, pecan, and walnut shells, along with used pine pallets, into high-quality biochar using Pyrocal’s CCT systems. These materials, which would otherwise be landfilled or incinerated, yield 250–270 kg of biochar per metric ton of feedstock, with carbon contents ranging from 81–88%. The resulting biochar is sold as a soil amendment and livestock feed additive, ensuring 100% of the feedstock is diverted from waste disposal.
Biochar, containing over 80% carbon, acts as an effective carbon removal technology by storing CO₂ for centuries. At Pyrocal’s Wellcamp facility, processing one metric ton of feedstock produces the following emissions: 469 kg CO₂e for pecan shells, 529 kg CO₂e for macadamia shells, and 382 kg CO₂e for pine pallets.
Biochar creates habitats for beneficial organisms, enhancing soil health and biodiversity.As a soil amendment, biochar supports water conservation, boosts crop yields, and promotes long-term soil stability which is crucial during droughts. As a stockfeed additive, it improves animal health, supports weight gain, and lowers methane emissions, while the biochar-rich manure further enriches soil health.
Adding biochar to soil or growing media increases water-holding capacity, reducing irrigation needs and improving drought resilience.
This project advances SDG 13 by intercepting waste streams — macadamia, pecan, and walnut shells, plus used pine pallets — that would otherwise be landfilled or incinerated, both pathways that release their embedded carbon back into the atmosphere.
These partners help deliver the project and verify its impact.
