World Biochar Certificate – Guidelines for Sustainable Production of Biochar

The World Biochar Certificate (WBC) guidelines were developed based on the European Biochar Certificate (EBC) guidelines and therefore still include the strict quality requirements that are scientifically based. However, requirements based on European legislation, found in the EBC guidelines, are not present in the WBC guidelines.

By producing biochar according to the WBC guidelines, the procurement and use of ecologically sustainable biomass are ensured, as well as a carbon-positive production that complies with national emission regulations. The quality of the biochar is assessed at least annually. Three classes of biochar are available in the WBC standard: Premium, Agro and Material.

Benefits to biochar producers and end-users:

Biochar quality and production methods vary greatly and not all are considered sustainable or even safe in terms of heavy metals or other contaminants. Growing numbers of customers around the world are looking for assurances that the biochar they are purchasing meets safety and sustainability criteria. WBC certified biochars can provide these quality guarantees for customers looking to use biochar in agriculture and in composite materials.  

These guidelines are effective since 1st May 2023 for worldwide biochar certification outside the European Union and all EFTA countries. The WBC standard was developed by the Ithaka Institute, is linked to the European Biochar Certificate (EBC) and is owned by Carbon Standards International.