Biokas – Growth from Biochar – Towards the Peat-Free Society
The BioKas project develops peat-free growing media and product prototypes for soil improvement by utilizing biochar and recycled materials. The goal is to create new, environmentally friendly product solutions that support circular economy and carbon sequestration. The project tests mobile biochar equipment in different production environments and conducts close cooperation with regional companies. BioKas promotes green transition and offers concrete alternatives for replacing peat
BioKas develops new types of biochar-based growing media and strengthens South Savo’s expertise in circular economy solutions.
Biochar-based growing medium: a sustainable alternative to peat
The BioKas project maps South Savo’s material flows, such as demolition wood and other organic matter, as raw materials for biochar. The goal is to find usable and environmentally sustainable alternatives to virgin materials. Biochar is produced with mobile pilot equipment directly at the sites where raw materials originate, which reduces transport emissions and brings solutions closer to users.
Biochar is utilized in developing peat-free growing media, and its properties are improved, for example, by binding nutrients. The functionality of the resulting product prototypes is studied both in laboratory and practical demonstration experiments. Additionally, the climate impacts of the products are assessed through carbon footprint calculations.
The BioKas project increases the vitality and competitiveness of the South Savo region, among other things, among biochar sector actors.
The project’s measures are implemented in close cooperation with regional companies, while supporting their transition towards more sustainable practices. Rural businesses are provided with current information about transitioning to peat-free growing media. In the long term, the project’s results support climate change mitigation and the promotion of circular economy in companies’ daily operations.