Recent data on the voluntary carbon market reveals a shift in buyer behavior, with a clear preference for newer credit vintages over older stock. While total retirement volumes have remained relatively flat since 2021, quarterly data shows significant seasonality tied to corporate reporting cycles. Despite a persistent surplus of supply, market transparency is improving as more buyers publicly disclose their retirements. The average lag between credit issuance and retirement is now six years, reflecting increased scrutiny of credit quality and methodology.
