Title: Challenges and opportunities of an emerging circular value chain - an analysis of Finnish biochar

Authors: Jasmin Puhakka; Juuso Kivijakola; Pekka Tervonen; Harri Haapasalo

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Technology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Technology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Technology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Technology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland

Abstract: Biochar is a circular product made from biomass. Based on the biomass it can have different properties and effects. Biochar can be used in for example, agriculture and climate mitigation, and its value comes from the circular properties. Circular economies have a lot of different stakeholders and for the product to be viable they need to cooperate closely. The value chain surrounding biochar is still emerging and there are challenges and opportunities that the stakeholders face. These include the lack of regulation concerning biochar and its production. For the biochar value chain to develop further, cooperation is needed between the firms and policymakers.

Keywords: emerging value chain; circular economy; biochar; agriculture; technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAITG.2025.151419

International Journal of Agriculture Innovation, Technology and Globalisation, 2025 Vol.5 No.1, pp.55 - 75

Received: 09 Jun 2025
Accepted: 25 Aug 2025
Published online: 28 Jan 2026 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article