Developing Bolivia's Most Ambitious Biochar Carbon Removal Project

A Partnership Built at the Concept Stage

Empacar S.A., Bolivia's leading sustainable packaging company, launched CarbonX as a dedicated business unit to enter the global voluntary carbon market, targeting approximately 70,000 tonnes of CO₂ removal annually. With close to five decades of industrial experience and a closed-loop circular economy model already in place, Empacar has a robust operational foundation to build upon. What CarbonX required was end-to-end project development expertise to translate that foundation into a certified, market-ready carbon removal facility. BioFlux was engaged from the earliest concept stage as project co-developer and lead technical advisor.

From Feedstock to Facility

BioFlux conducted a detailed analysis of feedstock availability and biomass flows across the Guarayos region, confirming sufficient wood residues from ABT-regulated local sawmills to sustain production at the project's target scale. Community benefit was embedded into the project's design from the outset, with CarbonX structured to reduce air pollution from open burning and deliver biochar as a soil enhancer for local agriculture alongside its carbon removal objectives.

BioFlux led laboratory analysis of biochar conversions from Empacar's feedstock to establish the product's characteristics and carbon sequestration potential. From there, BioFlux navigated the technology provider landscape to identify the most suitable partner for the project, working alongside engineering partners to analyse mass and energy balances, pipe and infrastructure diagrams, and recommend targeted retrofits to maximise system efficiency.

On-site, BioFlux developed the final facility layout and all biomass flow infrastructure, from feedstock reception and pre-treatment through to the pyrolysis reactor. Automation was prioritised throughout the site design to reduce operational risk, minimise the scope for human error, and ensure the facility can run as a continuous system at industrial scale.

Certification and Carbon Market Readiness

BioFlux is managing the full Puro.Earth certification process for CarbonX, including lifecycle assessment and greenhouse gas emission statements. The project will issue carbon removal credits into the Puro Registry following audit and verification, with first issuance expected in 2027.

Achieving certification under the Puro Standard requires demonstrating additionality, feedstock sustainability, and durable carbon storage. BioFlux built these requirements into the project's design from the outset rather than addressing them retroactively, ensuring CarbonX enters the carbon market with the data infrastructure and audit trail that institutional buyers require.

Carbon Credits, Biochar Sales, and a Platform for Growth

BioFlux will serve as a primary sales partner for Empacar's biochar carbon removal credits, leveraging its network of carbon removal credit buyers to support offtake at scale. In parallel, BioFlux is advancing biochar as a physical agricultural product, developing partnerships with fertiliser companies and opening application pathways across agriculture and adjacent sectors. CarbonX is designed to scale, with plans to replicate the model across Latin America with BioFlux continuing as development and certification partner for future sites.

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