Cochrane BioChar
Turning Waste
Into Worth
Cochrane Biochar is a proudly Canadian Aboriginal-owned company based in Cochrane, Alberta. We transform waste wood into high-quality biochar—an eco-friendly product that improves soil, sequesters carbon, and supports a sustainable future. Our mission is to regenerate natural systems, support food security, and build a circular economy, one batch at a time.
About Us
Cochrane Biochar is a Canadian Aboriginal-owned business founded by Daniel Grant. We believe in using Indigenous values of stewardship, regeneration, and respect for the land to build a better future.
Whether you're a farmer, gardener, environmental organization, or curious community member—we’d love to connect. Reach out to learn more about our products, partnerships, or how you can support biochar use in your industry.
Why Cochrane?
Cochrane, Alberta is one of the province’s fastest-growing communities and is ideally located near abundant forestry resources.
• Close to waste wood sources.
• Strong community focus on sustainability.
• Supportive environment through the Town of Cochrane’s Incubator Centre at The Station.
Our Values
At Cochrane BioChar, our values guide how we work, serve our community, and protect the environment.
Engaged
We are dedicated, reliable, and focused on delivering value. We keep our promises, act with purpose, and continuously develop our expertise to better serve our customers and community.
Accountable
We prioritize safety, environmental responsibility, and ethical practices. We operate within the law, support sustainable development, and foster a respectful, supportive work environment.
Transparent
We believe in honesty, collaboration, and open communication. We value diversity, share knowledge, and address ethical concerns directly and respectfully.
Creative Leadership
We embrace innovation and challenge the status quo. By encouraging bold ideas and managing risk thoughtfully, we drive sustainable progress and positive change.
What is Biochar
Biochar is a form of charcoal created by heating organic waste (typically wood) at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen—a process known as pyrolysis. This process:
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Keeps wood waste out of landfills.
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Captures and stores carbon (CO₂).
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Reduces greenhouse gases.
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Produces a soil-enhancing product that improves water retention and nutrient absorption.
Benefits of BioChar
Biochar is more than just a soil amendment. It provides broad environmental and economic benefits:
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Reduces landfill waste by upcycling forestry and agricultural residue.
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Sequesters carbon, helping combat climate change.
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Improves soil health—boosting microbial life, moisture retention, and crop yields.
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Contributes to the circular economy through regenerative agriculture, carbon markets, and sustainable forestry.
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Supports food security by improving growing conditions in challenging soils.
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Carbon-negative by design—biochar locks carbon in the ground for centuries.
Applications of Biochar
Our biochar is versatile and can be used in many sectors:
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Agriculture & Gardening: Improves soil fertility, water retention, and crop resilience.
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Forestry: Encourages faster reforestation and healthy forest soils.
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Construction: Used as a filler or insulation in sustainable building materials.
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Animal Husbandry: Serves as bedding or feed additive to reduce odor and improve animal health.
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Cosmetics & Personal Care: Natural ingredient in eco-friendly beauty products.
Sustainable Innovation
Services
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Waste Wood Grinding and Chipping
We offer mobile grinding and chipping services to process waste wood directly at your location. This reduces transportation costs, lowers emissions, and prepares material for efficient conversion into biochar or mulch.
Woody Debris & Waste Wood Removal and Processing
We remove and process woody debris and post-harvest residues from construction, forestry, and land clearing operations. This helps landowners meet environmental regulations while creating valuable products from otherwise discarded biomass.
FireSmart Operations Management
Our team supports wildfire prevention and mitigation through FireSmart-aligned practices. We manage fuel loads by safely removing high-risk woody debris and underbrush, helping communities protect homes, infrastructure, and ecosystems.
Community Drop-Off Sites
We operate or partner with drop-off sites where residents and contractors can deliver clean woody materials for sustainable processing. Accepted materials include tree limbs, branches, logs, and unpainted wood.
Tree Planting Program
We support reforestation and land rehabilitation projects through native and climate-resilient tree planting initiatives. Our biochar-enriched soils improve seedling survival and promote long-term forest health.