Biochar, a charcoal like material made from plant and organic waste, is often promoted as a climate and soil "wonder solution," but a new commentary warns that the reality is far more complex and that smarter deployment is urgently needed. The authors argue that biochar will only move from the margins to the mainstream if treated as part of a larger system that links technology, economics, and public policy.
"Biochar is not a magic bullet, but it can be a powerful tool when we understand its limits and design with them in mind," said lead author Muhammad Faheem of Khalifa University. "Our goal is to move the conversation from hype to evidence based planning." Co author Bing Wang of Guizhou University added that biochar should be viewed as critical infrastructure within a circular economy, rather than a low value byproduct of waste treatment.
Hidden hurdles to real world use
The commentary highlights four major obstacles that slow large scale adoption. These include highly variable feedstocks that produce inconsistent biochar quality, high production costs, unclear or fragmented regulations, and unstable markets still tied largely to uncertain carbon credit schemes. Because performance depends strongly on local soils, climate, and management practices, results from one region often cannot be copied directly elsewhere.
A systems approach for circular economy
Instead of focusing only on individual pilot projects, the authors call for integrated assessment frameworks that combine life cycle assessment, techno economic analysis, and spatial modeling. Such tools can map where biomass is available, measure real climate benefits, and show where biochar systems are economically viable under current or future policies. This evidence can then guide tailored strategies for rural areas focused on soil restoration, urban areas focused on waste and water treatment, and "mixed" regions that connect rural producers with urban users.
From techno optimism to grounded policy
The paper criticizes overly optimistic narratives that celebrate biochar's potential while downplaying uncertainties and environmental risks, such as contaminant carryover and long term soil impacts. The authors argue that robust international quality standards, clear rules for carbon accounting, and risk governance are essential to earn the trust of investors, regulators, and farmers. "Biochar's future depends less on discovering new miracles and more on building coherent policies, markets, and safeguards around what we already know it can do," Faheem said.
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Journal reference: Faheem M, Wang B. 2026. Biochar in circular economy and sustainable development: addressing technical variability, policy gaps, and sustainability constraints. Biochar X 2: e001 doi: 10.48130/bchax-0025-0014
https://www.maxapress.com/article/doi/10.48130/bchax-0025-0014
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About the Journal:
Biochar X (e-ISSN: 3070-1686) is an open access, online-only journal aims to transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries by providing a multidisciplinary platform for the exchange of cutting-edge research in both fundamental and applied aspects of biochar. The journal is dedicated to supporting the global biochar research community by offering an innovative, efficient, and professional outlet for sharing new findings and perspectives. Its core focus lies in the discovery of novel insights and the development of emerging applications in the rapidly growing field of biochar science.
