Bioforcetech Presents Progress on Almond Shell Biochar Project at BioCirCA 2025

Last week, George Chan, our Director of Science, presented the framework of Bioforcetech’s recently started research project, Almond Shell to Biochar to Rubber Additives, at BioCirCA 2025 hosted by BEAM Circular on November 5–6 at California State University, Stanislaus, in Turlock, California.

The presentation highlighted Bioforcetech’s latest research, supported by the BEAM Circular Business Innovation Grant, awarded to investigate biochar additives in natural rubber made from almond shells. Through this project, Bioforcetech is processing almond shells into biochar at a range of precise parameters using the BFT Sigma pyrolysis unit, which will then be formulated into natural rubber compounds in partnership with the USDA for applications in agricultural harvesting equipment.

The precision of BFT pyrolysis offers an exciting opportunity to create 'designer biochar' at precise, consistent times and temperatures.

“For the past year we have been working with our bench scale pyrolysis to validate the precision of the Bioforcetech process,” said Garrett Benisch, Bioforcetech’s Director of Development. “This project is an exciting opportunity to leverage this precision and produce a material that can offer multiple benefits to the almond industry.”

By processing almond shells across a broad range of characteristics, Bioforcetech will work to validate specific traits in the biochar that can improve the performance of rubber compounds.

In partnership with USDA ARS WRRF researchers, these biochars will then be compounded into natural rubbers and will undergo performance testing. The end goal is to target the production of rubber-harvesting attachments for farming equipment that degrade into the soil during harvesting. As these biochar-infused natural rubber parts degrade under harsh conditions, the biochar will enhance the soil rather than harm it, unlike synthetics.  

This breakthrough project expands the company’s commitment to transforming waste streams into scalable, carbon-negative materials that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and strengthen California’s circular economy. 

We invite fellow innovators and industry leaders to reach out if you are interested in opening a biomass feasibility study with us to valorize new biomass streams into precise biochar materials.