We partnered with Aston University to produce sustainable furniture for new office

Unleashing the power of biochar

Biochar, a sustainable form of charcoal, has significant opportunities for reducing the impact of climate change because it can be used for carbon sequestration - the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide. When put in the earth, biochar works to improve the soil and enhances plant growth. It also doesn’t decay over a long period of time.

The Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) at Aston University and its industrial partners have developed an innovative technology which thermally converts organic waste, such as fallen and diseased trees, sawdust and chicken manure, into three commercially valuable products – biochar, gas and liquids, through a process known as pyrolysis.

Connecting communities

As we move to our new office at One Centenary Way, Birmingham, our teams made a significant effort to make sure we're being as environmentally friendly as possible while ensuring we work with the local community to achieve this.

The EBRI team at Aston University has produced a range of bespoke durable plant and pen pots for the new office, consisting of biochar produced at EBRI’s pyrolysis demonstrator situated at Cofton horticultural nursery in the south of Birmingham. To make these carbon-storing pots, the EBRI team mixed mineral powder with a water-based acrylic resin to create a solid. The biochar, used to create the colour of the pots, is sifted down into a fine powder, mixed with the resin, and left to dry in a mould.

Neil Pearson, head of ESG and social value at Mills & Reeve, said: “We’ve teamed up with Aston University because we’re very keen on engaging with local organisations in Birmingham that align with our social and sustainability values. We’re really excited about the work that they’re doing, it’s a real market leader in looking at biochar and commercial ways in which biochar can be used.”

Jayne Hussey, head of Mills & Reeve’s Birmingham office, said: “We looked in detail about how we can maximise the way in which we can reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability in our new office. 70% of the furniture is recycled from the existing office while the remaining 30% has been donated to George Dixon Academy, ensuring that no furniture goes to landfill and that we’re continuously supporting the local community.”

Tim Miller, Project Lead of the Biochar CleanTech Accelerator at Aston University, said: “Biochar can be used for a number of things, including 3D printing, as a composite material, and as a way to reduce the carbon impact of cement. We’d love to explore all of these opportunities, but we can’t do it alone which is why we’re excited to be working alongside Mills & Reeve as they move to their new, sustainable office. We hope to work with more local companies in the future to take forward serious propositions for the marketplace.”