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Key people at Novocarbo.
Novocarbo develops and operates Biochar Carbon Removal technology, utilizing advanced pyrolysis processes to convert biomass into biochar. This method effectively sequesters atmospheric carbon dioxide for long durations while simultaneously generating renewable heat. The company's technical approach focuses on decentralized Carbon Removal Parks, which produce biochar for various applications including sustainable agriculture, green construction materials, and urban infrastructure.
Caspar von Ziegner founded Novocarbo in 2017 with a foundational insight into the urgent need for scalable carbon removal solutions to align with the Paris Climate Agreement's 1.5-degree target. His vision was to valorize CO2, enhance soil health, and transform biomass waste into valuable resources through pyrolysis, driving a broader transition toward sustainable heat and material use.
The company's biochar product serves diverse markets, including agriculture for soil enrichment and urban planners for green infrastructure projects. Novocarbo also facilitates carbon removal credits, providing a verifiable pathway for corporations to offset emissions. Its long-term vision is to significantly reduce atmospheric CO2 and accelerate the global shift to a net-zero economy by scaling its biochar technology and fostering innovative solutions for environmental sustainability.
Key people at Novocarbo.
Novocarbo is a German climate tech company specializing in carbon removal through biochar production via pyrolysis of plant residues. It operates Carbon Removal Parks to remove up to 1 million tonnes of CO₂ by 2030, producing high-quality biochar for soil improvement, agriculture, construction, textiles, and storm-water management, while generating climate-neutral energy and carbon removal certificates (CORCs).[2][3][4][5] The company serves industries, governments, agriculture, and environmental organizations by solving decarbonization challenges, offering sustainable carbon capture, soil enhancement, waste management, and customized net-zero strategies, with strong growth including tripling production capacity in Germany.[1][2][3]
Novocarbo GmbH, based in Dörth and Hamburg, Germany, launched its concept in 2018 as a pioneer in biochar-based carbon removal.[3] The company evolved from testing various techniques and materials, developing expertise in pyrolysis of biogenic residues into premium biochar for applications like the "Stockholm model" for sustainable urban plant beds.[3] Key early traction includes becoming a founding and board member of the German Biochar Association and the European Biochar Consortium (EBI), finalist status for the 2021 German Sustainability Award, and partnerships like with Thyssenkrupp for CORC trading.[3][5] Leadership, including Political Communications Manager Julius Lang, emphasizes cross-sector collaboration for net zero.[2]
Novocarbo rides the net-zero and circular economy wave, capitalizing on rising demand for verified carbon removal amid global decarbonization mandates and voluntary markets.[2][4] Timing aligns with EU biochar standards, Puro.earth certification, and post-2021 growth in CDR (carbon dioxide removal) tech, amplified by partnerships like Thyssenkrupp and industry pilots (e.g., Stockholm).[3][5] Market forces favoring it include biomass waste abundance, biochar's multi-benefits (climate + soil/agri), and energy co-products amid energy transitions; it influences the ecosystem by standardizing biochar CORCs, fostering associations like EBI, and enabling cross-sector net-zero via scalable parks.[1][2][3]
Novocarbo is poised for rapid scaling with ongoing plant expansions in northeastern Germany and ambitions for 1M tonnes CO₂ removal by 2030, potentially capturing growing CORC demand as regulations tighten.[2][3] Trends like CDR market maturation, biochar policy support, and industrial symbiosis (e.g., waste-to-value) will propel it, evolving its role from producer to global platform for biochar trading and net-zero infrastructure.[1][5] As a sustainability driver, it exemplifies how tech closes material loops, binding atmospheric CO₂ into enduring economic value.
