New Zealand activated carbon uses waste wood chips to make activated carbon, which has a wide range of uses. Photos/Provided

The activated carbon in Taupo, New Zealand is a good example of a win-win situation for the environment and business.

The company produces a series of products that use waste sawdust from sawmills to make activated carbon. The products are used in a wide range of applications, including removing toxic gases from industrial waste and wastewater, purifying water and cosmetics, and the food and beverage industries.

Activated carbon is even used in candle manufacturing. In addition, activated carbon has conductivity and heat insulation. Experiments are underway to study its use as a hemp adhesive.

New Zealand Activated Carbon Co., Ltd. is the only activated carbon manufacturer in New Zealand. Facts have proved that being able to supply domestically is very important because the overseas activated carbon supply chain continues to be severely disrupted due to Covid-19.

In the past, New Zealand companies usually sourced activated carbon from China or Australia, but usually from raw materials that are not environmentally friendly, such as coal or coconut shells.

"We know that companies are looking for more sustainable high-quality activated carbon, and we can provide them with activated carbon that has no supply issues," said Grant Hughes, director of activated carbon in New Zealand.

"We are able to provide industrial customers or daily consumers with activated carbon in the form of fine powder, granules or capsules through our online store."

Grant spent most of his life working in the agricultural sector and then turned to providing short-term financing solutions, which is why he came into contact with the activated carbon business. He immediately saw its potential and was committed to integrating the factories to form the core of their business.

"We imported a set of kits from China that was theoretically feasible but practically unworkable. In the next few years, I used grinders and welders, and with the help of some very talented locals, we developed what we needed Factories to create high-quality activated carbon."

Activated carbon is cleaned by adsorption or ion exchange. It is made by removing organic volatiles from carbon-rich organic materials, leaving only the carbon pore structure and increasing the surface area.

This means that a teaspoon of activated carbon has a larger surface area than a football field. Pores and microstructures can attract toxins and chemicals, which is why activated carbon is so effective as a purifier.

Generally speaking, the larger the surface area of ​​activated carbon, the higher the quality. Commercially produced activated carbon is usually in the range of 300 square meters to 900 square meters per gram.

"A lot of activated carbon from China is at the low end of this range, but our average output per gram of activated carbon can reach 900-1200 square meters, and sometimes even as high as 1500 square meters.

"We are passionate about fighting environmental pollution. It is very important for us to create a company that we believe is good for carbon. We even provide wood vinegar, which is a by-product of our organic farming process.

"Covid gives us the opportunity to showcase our sustainable New Zealand-made activated carbon to companies that may not consider whether a better option is right at their doorstep.

“We have a huge carbon resource here in New Zealand. We don’t need to dig our national parks or dig our seabed to get this resource, it’s all around us. Our plantation utilization is still very low, and there are still A lot of waste.

"Pine trees continue to be planted, but the by-products of wood production, such as sawdust, are currently being thrown away or thrown into holes to rot. At the same time, the domestic and global markets for activated carbon are experiencing significant growth, and we are able to contribute to that market. Manufacture and supply really good products.

"Instead of choosing activated carbon produced from unsustainable sources to be dumped into the New Zealand market at a price lower than the transportation cost, we need New Zealand companies to make better choices for our environment, and to be a higher quality product. This will bring them For better results."