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Building the foundations for a credible biochar marketWritten on the 28 January 2026 by Patrick Hastings
ANZBIG’s current work is focused on strengthening the practical foundations needed for the biochar sector to progress with confidence. Two areas are central to this effort: standards development and carbon market pathways.These elements are progressing at different speeds, but together they support regulatory confidence, market credibility and long-term investment readiness. Australian Biochar Standard (AS 5541): steady progress Development of the Australian Biochar Standard (AS 5541) is now well advanced through the Standards Australia process. Following extensive technical drafting and consultation, the draft standard has reached a mature stage. Current status:
Why this mattersAS 5541 provides a shared, auditable reference point for biochar quality, fit-for-purpose use and claims governance. This helps:
While AS 5541 is an Australian standard, it has been developed with international alignment in mind and is intended to support coherence across the Australia–New Zealand market. Biochar and ACCUs (Australia): managing sequencing Interest in high-integrity Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) continues to grow, particularly in relation to durable carbon dioxide removal. Biochar is increasingly recognised as a potential domestic pathway in this context, although there is currently no approved ACCU methodology specific to biochar. ANZBIG is engaging with government, regulators and cross-industry stakeholders to support consideration of a future biochar ACCU methodology. This work recognises that method development sits within a broader system that includes standards, inventory settings and administrative processes. In this context, sequencing matters. Aligning standards development, carbon accounting frameworks and regulatory processes helps reduce implementation risk and supports orderly progression through established approval pathways. Progress on AS 5541 contributes to this by strengthening product definition, traceability and claims governance. While timelines remain subject to formal processes, ANZBIG’s focus is on supporting well-sequenced, credible and conservative pathway development consistent with existing policy settings. Progressing a New Zealand carbon pathway In parallel, ANZBIG is working with the Biochar Network New Zealand to support consideration of a credible biochar carbon pathway in New Zealand. This work is informed by experience in Australia and reflects shared membership interests across both countries. New Zealand has growing interest in biochar across emissions reduction, waste management and land use, but — as in Australia — consistent national standards and carbon accounting pathways are still developing. ANZBIG’s intention is to leverage the Australian Biochar Standard as a foundation where appropriate, supporting alignment rather than duplication. A coherent trans-Tasman approach can help reduce integrity risk, support regulatory confidence and improve market clarity. Engagement with New Zealand stakeholders is focused on ensuring any future pathway is conservative, auditable and compatible with existing policy frameworks. What members should take from this
ANZBIG will continue to keep members informed as this work progresses and as opportunities for formal input arise.
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 "Patrick Hastings")
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