IBTC at BioInnovAsia 2026 in Tokyo

At BioInnovAsia 2026 in Tokyo the discussion around one of the sector’s central questions continued: How do we move from successful first industrial projects towards large-scale implementation?

IBTC President Michael Wild had the opportunity to moderate the dedicated Biocarbon panel and also share key outcomes from yesterday’s Industrial Biocarbon Workshop. Together with an excellent group of panellists John Teal (TSI), Brock Harrington (CPM) and Jérôme Dubuc (Amandus Kahl) the session provided highly practical insights into technologies and operational experience already available today.

The discussion covered successfully implemented installations, advances in torrefied biomass pelletisation and comparisons between different process configurations such as TBP (Torrefaction Before Pelletisation) and TAP (Torrefaction After Pelletisation). The panel also explored developments in highly efficient pellet mill design as well as the role of binding agents in improving durability and water resistance.

Another important topic was the ongoing development of ISO product standards and the growing importance of clear specifications as markets mature. One key takeaway from both the panel and audience discussion was particularly encouraging: the technological building blocks for successful industrial deployment already exist and are proven. The challenge is no longer whether these systems can work, but how quickly deployment can scale.
And this next phase will depend heavily on the willingness of consumers and trading houses to move forward with long-term commitments and market development.

Following the panel discussion, Tokuyama Corporation, represented by Minoru Isobe, together with Yilkins B.V., represented by Joris Spaan, presented their work on the use of torrefied biomass as an alternative to coal and as a pretreatment solution for biomass gasification pathways. Their presentation further reinforced the message that technical readiness for scale-up is increasingly in place.

Tokyo once again demonstrated how much the discussion around CircularBiocarbon has evolved. The sector is moving steadily from technology validation towards implementation, integration and supply chain development.

IBTC is proud to be part of shaping the future of CircularBiocarbon.