IBTC 2025 - A Year of Growth, Structure and Sector Maturity

Review of 2025 and Outlook to 2026

As 2025 draws to a close, the International Biomass Torrefaction and Carbonisation Council looks back on a year that marked a decisive step forward for both the organisation and the Circular Biocarbon sector as a whole. It was a year defined by growth, increased visibility and, above all, a clear shift from conceptual discussions toward structured market development and implementation.

Across membership, publications, public representation and internal coordination, IBTC has continued to evolve into a mature industry platform supporting quality, transparency, market development and long-term credibility for Circular Biocarbon.

Strong and sustained membership growth

One of the most visible indicators of this progress is IBTC's membership development. Over the course of 2025, IBTC grew from 28 to 42 members, bringing together companies and organisations from across the entire Circular Biocarbon value chain. Members now span resource owners, technology providers, plant operators, traders, logistics providers, industrial end-users, research institutes and service providers. Geographically all 5 continents are represented. 

This breadth is essential. A sector that aims to replace fossil carbon at scale must develop in a clear profile across sustainable feedstock sourcing, efficient processing technologies, safe logistics, industrial use and regulation. The continued growth of IBTC reflects a shared understanding that collaboration on matters that are not in competition rather than fragmentation, is a prerequisite for sector development.

Building a shared knowledge base for a growing sector

A central focus of IBTC's work in 2025 was the systematic development of a shared knowledge base for Circular Biocarbon. As markets accelerate, clarity around terminology, processes, product properties and use cases becomes increasingly critical for regulators, investors and industrial decision-makers alike.

This year marked the start of IBTC's own publication activities. With the release of Biocarbon Terminology, IBTC addressed one of the most pressing challenges facing the sector: inconsistent language and diverging interpretations of processes and products in the thermal upgrading of biomass.

By December 2025, IBTC had already published the third version of this free of charge to be downloaded glossary. Each iteration expanded the scope, incorporated additional terms and refined definitions based on ongoing market developments and expert feedback. Version 3 also introduced a dedicated chapter on relevant abbreviations, reflecting the increasing technical and regulatory complexity of the field.

These publications are designed to support:

• ⁠regulators seeking reliable reference frameworks,
• ⁠investors assessing projects and technologies,
• ⁠industrial users evaluating Biocarbon solutions for decarbonisation,
• ⁠and all market participants working across borders and applications.

The glossary will continue to be updated, ensuring that IBTC always provides the relevant reference as the sector evolves.

Beyond publications, IBTC has actively contributed to the development of international standards, particularly through its involvement in ISO TC 238. The formal inclusion of pyrogenic Biocarbon into the committee's scope and the initiation of related workstreams represent a critical foundation for future market acceptance and large-scale deployment.

DOWNLOAD HERE!

Strengthening communication and visibility

In parallel with technical and knowledge-based work, IBTC significantly strengthened its external communication in 2025. Our LinkedIn channel and newsletters have become central instruments for sharing insights, highlighting member activities and positioning Circular Biocarbon within broader discussions on energy transition, industrial decarbonisation and carbon markets.

This strategic focus on communication has delivered measurable results. IBTC has seen consistent growth in reach, engagement and follower numbers, demonstrating rising interest in the sector and growing recognition of IBTC as a credible industry voice. Communication is not an end in itself, but a key enabler for awareness, trust and informed decision-making.

Active representation and international dialogue

Throughout 2025, IBTC was actively represented at major international conferences and industry forums, ensuring that Circular Biocarbon is firmly embedded in global discussions on energy, industry and climate policy.

IBTC participated in and contributed to, among others:

• the European Biocarbon Summit in Amsterdam, where IBTC hosted a networking area and moderated high-level panels on industrial applications,
• ⁠Rim Energy Agora in Tokyo, placing Biocarbon and biochar on the agenda of one of Japan's leading energy market conferences,
• The Global Woodchip and Biomass Trade Conference in Singapore, addressing the transformation of biomass markets and industrial demand,
• ⁠Bulk Terminals 2025 in Marseille, highlighting circular Biocarbon as a practical pathway to substitute fossil carbon in coal applications, 
• and multiple technical workshops and expert meetings held alongside ISO TC 238 activities in Japan.
• Argus Global Coke & Carbon in Washington
• Biochar Summit Europe in Brussels
• BioInnovasiain Tokyo
• Argus Mediteranean Solid Fuels in Sicily
• Argus Carbon Markets Europe in Nice
• ⁠Biocarbon in Metallurgy in Wisla
• Argus Biomass Conference in London
• DANA Global Forest Investment Conference in Luxembourg
• Argus Biomass Asia in Singapore

These engagements enabled IBTC to represent the sector across regions and disciplines, facilitate dialogue between stakeholders and ensure that the perspectives of Circular Biocarbon producers and users are reflected in broader policy and market debates.

Strengthening governance and leadership structures

2025 marked a fundamental milestone in IBTC's organisational development. At the General Assembly, members approved updated by-laws reflecting the continued growth and increasing complexity of the organisation. These updates formally introduced an expanded governance structure, including the establishment of a Board in addition to the Presidium, ensuring that IBTC's structures evolve in step with its growing membership and scope of activities.

Alongside the adoption of the new by-laws, members elected the Board that will guide IBTC through its next phase of development. The elected Board Members are:

• John Teal (TSI), Chairman of the Board
• Patrick Lapointe (Airex)
• Brock Harrington (CPM)

In addition, Thomas Meth was confirmed as Board Member in 2025. His extensive experience in global biomass markets, supply chain development and industrial decarbonisation further strengthens the Board's strategic expertise and international perspective.

Together with the Presidium, the Board provides a robust foundation for IBTC's continued professionalisation and its role as a credible, representative voice for the Circular Biocarbon sector.

Strong governance and experienced leadership are essential as the sector moves from early-stage development toward commercial scale and regulatory integration.

Listening to our members and shaping the way forward

Member surveys conducted in 2025 provided valuable insights into priorities, challenges and expectations across the IBTC community. These surveys are a core instrument for aligning IBTC's activities with real market needs and ensuring that strategic decisions reflect the collective direction of the membership.

Looking ahead to 2026, IBTC explicitly invites all members to engage even more actively. Participation in surveys, working groups and technical exchanges is a powerful way to shape the organisation's agenda and, by extension, the future of the Circular Biocarbon sector itself.

Outlook for 2026

With a rapidly growing membership, an established knowledge platform and a strengthened international presence, IBTC enters 2026 with a clear mandate. The coming year will focus on deepening technical work, advancing standardisation, focussing on health and safety isdues along the whole value chain including shipping, engaging with regulators and investors, and strengthening collaboration across Europe and Japan.

IBTC will continue to stand for quality in both products and processes and for the sustainable development of Circular Biocarbon as a credible solution for industrial defossilisation.

We thank all members, partners and supporters for their trust and engagement throughout 2025 and look forward to continuing this journey together in 2026.