Circular Economy in Charcoal Production: Valorization of Residues for Increased Efficiency and Sustainability

Angélica de Cássia Oliveira Carneiro, Humberto Fauller de Siqueira, Ricardo José Tauffer Barros, Antonio José Vinha Zanuncio (), Amélia Guimarães Carvalho, Vicente Toledo Machado de Morais Junior, Luciano Cavalcante de Jesus França, Amanda Ladeira Carvalho, Dandara Paula da Silva Guimarães, Evanderson Luis Capelete Evangelista, Olivia Pereira Lopes, Shoraia Germani Winter and Iara Fontes Demuner
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Angélica de Cássia Oliveira Carneiro: Forest Sciences Department, UFV—Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, Viçosa 36571-000, Brazil
Humberto Fauller de Siqueira: Forest Sciences Department, UFV—Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, Viçosa 36571-000, Brazil
Ricardo José Tauffer Barros: ArcelorMittal Tubarão (ES), R&D ArcelorMittal Brasil, Industrial Pole Tubarão, Serra 29160-904, Brazil
Antonio José Vinha Zanuncio: Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Goiás Street, 2000, Vila Nova 38500-000, Brazil
Amélia Guimarães Carvalho: Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Goiás Street, 2000, Vila Nova 38500-000, Brazil
Vicente Toledo Machado de Morais Junior: Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Goiás Street, 2000, Vila Nova 38500-000, Brazil
Luciano Cavalcante de Jesus França: Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Goiás Street, 2000, Vila Nova 38500-000, Brazil
Amanda Ladeira Carvalho: Forest Sciences Department, UFV—Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, Viçosa 36571-000, Brazil
Dandara Paula da Silva Guimarães: Forest Sciences Department, UFV—Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, Viçosa 36571-000, Brazil
Evanderson Luis Capelete Evangelista: Forest Sciences Department, UFV—Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, Viçosa 36571-000, Brazil
Olivia Pereira Lopes: Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Goiás Street, 2000, Vila Nova 38500-000, Brazil
Shoraia Germani Winter: Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Goiás Street, 2000, Vila Nova 38500-000, Brazil
Iara Fontes Demuner: Forest Sciences Department, UFV—Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, Viçosa 36571-000, Brazil

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-12

Abstract: This study explores a circular economy approach in charcoal production, utilizing combustion gases from the process itself to optimize efficiency and quality, minimizing waste and reducing emissions. The research investigates the pre-drying of Eucalyptus sp. wood with these gases before carbonization, through an innovative system that directs gases from the carbonizing furnace to a separate drying furnace. Wood samples were dried at 120 °C and 150 °C for 15, 22.5, and 30 h before carbonization. The analysis included the gravimetric yield of charcoal, semi-carbonized wood, and fines, in addition to evaluating key charcoal properties. Results demonstrated that drying with combustion gases at 150 °C increased the charcoal yield by 7%, regardless of drying time. Furthermore, this pre-drying improved charcoal quality, raising fixed carbon content from 74.68% to over 81% and reducing volatile matter from 24.40% to below 18%. These findings highlight that the utilization of combustion gases for wood drying not only significantly enhances the efficiency and quality of charcoal production but also contributes to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, promoting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative compared to conventional methods.

Keywords: eco-friendly charcoal production; renewable energy; sustainable bioenergy; waste valorization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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