Biochar: a natural ally for climate and soil
At Hero, we believe that nature-based solutions are key to mitigating climate change and strengthening natural ecosystem services. That’s why we’re pioneering the use of biochar, a charcoal-like substance made from plant-based biomass, in our oat cultivation in Germany.
Biochar is more than just a soil additive. It stores carbon, improves water retention, and enhances soil health. Its porous structure creates a habitat for beneficial microorganisms, boosting biodiversity underground.
In 2024, we launched our first pilot with a German oat farm and achieved 35 tons of CO₂e removal through certified insetting. In 2025, we’ve scaled up to two more farms, targeting 73 tons of CO₂e removal. The process and calculation follow the DIN ISO 14064-2 standard and are aligned with our validated Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) commitment.
The biochar we use is certified by the European Biochar Certificate (EBC) and sourced from certified forestry. The overall project is TÜV-certified and registered with Carbonfuture for CO₂e credit validation. Our project partner ClimateNXT supports implementation, data tracking, and certification. Together, we ensure that every step, from field to delivery, is traceable and impactful.
Oats are a key ingredient in many of our Corny and B’tween products and we currently use the oats grown with biochar for our Corny Haferkraft BIG bars in Germany. With this project, we contribute to making agriculture more future-proof – while also demonstrating how we, as a company, can take responsibility. It’s another important step on our path toward greater climate protection, regional partnerships, and innovation.