Lavender waste to biochar: new study finds optimal pyrolysis conditions for climate-smart carbon
bioengineer.orgA new study shows how lavender distillation residue, typically burned or landfilled, can be turned into high-quality biochar through controlled pyrolysis. Researchers tested 13 different temperature, heating rate, and residence time combinations from 200 to 600 degrees Celsius. They used a multi-criteria framework to balance yield, fixed carbon content, energy use, and environmental footprint. The optimal production window produced biochar with high carbon content and a porous structure, suitable for soil amendment or carbon storage. This approach turns a waste stream into a climate-smart material and could be applied to other aromatic plant residues. The study provides a practical roadmap for scaling biochar production from agricultural byproducts.