Utrecht & Stockholm, July 2025 – Planboo and Carboneers, two early pioneers in biochar carbon removal, have joined forces to drive innovation and enhance the quality of distributed biochar production in the Tropics. Their collaboration on Carboneers’ project in Oti, Ghana, brings together Carboneers’ project development and low-emission pyrolysis technology with Planboo’s digital MRV system, MRVin™, to deliver high-integrity, traceable carbon removals from cacao waste.
The project has already gained market traction, with impact firm Milkywire committing to an early offtake. This signals confidence in the partnership’s potential to deliver meaningful climate and community benefits.
Ideally, the establishment of the CDR sector leads not only to high-quality carbon removal, but also to increased incomes and resilience for the people most vulnerable to climate change. By supporting this project, we help further establish a replicable and high-quality way of doing that.
– Robert Höglund, Manager Milkywire Climate Transformation Fund
Collaboration over competition
Carbon removal is a complex and evolving space. Meeting global climate goals requires technological innovation, shared knowledge, and thoughtful collaboration. This partnership grew from the belief that by working together and sharing what we’ve learned over the years, we can achieve more.
After two years of flirting at several conferences, we are finally on the dance floor
– Berend de Haas, Co-founder and Director, Carboneers
Flirting turned to footwork. We’re finding our rhythm. It’s time to step into the spotlight together.
– Freddie Catlow, Co-founder and CEO, Planboo
Advancing Understanding of Emission and Biochar Quality
Planboo’s MRVin™ system includes the Greenbox, a thermal IoT sensor installed on each kiln to monitor the pyrolysis process in real time. When combined with Carboneers’ methane emission testing, the system enables deeper insight into emissions and biochar quality at the batch level.
Carboneers has invested in a comprehensive exhaust gas measurements (including CH₄, CO, and N₂O) across different pyrolysis methods and different feedstock types in Ghana and India. Their work led to the development of a specific production protocol for cacao biomass waste and a newly designed closed-chamber kiln, developed in collaboration with High Plains Biochar. Together, these innovations have reduced methane emissions by 94%, from 30 kg to 1.8CH₄ per ton while also improving operator safety and health by reducing smoke and fire exposure.
By combining complementary tools, technologies, and knowledge, this collaboration aims to contribute to more accountable, inclusive, and traceable artisanal biochar carbon removal practices.
To learn more about the collaboration and its project in Ghana, get in touch with Hedda.
For further information about Planboo, please contact
Jacqueline Gara, Content Manager
E-mail: jacqueline@planboo.eco
