Biochar Nears Real-World Use in Cold Paving Trials

Verde Resources and Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions have advanced their collaboration on biochar with a new 10-year agreement targeting cold paving applications.

This agreement expands on efforts initiated in October 2025, moving beyond initial technology validation. Under the terms, Verde Renewables, the primary U.S. subsidiary of Verde, will serve as a preferred vendor of engineered biochar for Ergon's emulsion products in cold paving.

The immediate focus is on commercial field projects to evaluate the performance of engineered biochar in pavement preservation and road maintenance using cold paving techniques.

Cold paving is considered a lower-energy alternative to hot-mix asphalt, as it reduces the need for high-temperature production. Key considerations for public agencies and contractors include performance, cost, ease of use, approval timelines, and consistency in real-world conditions.

For Verde, this agreement may facilitate a transition from development-stage testing to ongoing commercial activities. While the deal outlines target product volumes, Verde acknowledges that future revenue, customer adoption, and market demand are not assured.

New materials in infrastructure require more than sustainability claims to scale. They need field data, contractor acceptance, agency confidence, and integration into existing project workflows. The Verde-Ergon agreement provides biochar with a clearer path into these discussions.

The partnership also includes a carbon credit component. Engineered biochar can sequester carbon in a stable form, and some applications may qualify for monetizable credits, with any revenue shared between the companies.

This opportunity hinges on more than production volume; it requires project execution, carbon accounting, third-party verification, and market acceptance. For infrastructure buyers, carbon value may enhance the business case but will not replace the need for proven pavement performance.

Ergon contributes expertise in asphalt and customer channels, while Verde offers its engineered biochar platform and carbon removal strategy. The companies plan to begin with market-ready applications before exploring broader infrastructure uses.

Future areas of interest include additional road construction applications and sustainable building materials. International expansion is also considered, with Singapore identified as an early market for exploration.

The global perspective is linked to increasing demand for lower-carbon infrastructure materials, particularly in markets with decarbonization targets, green procurement policies, and large public works programs. However, successful deployment in U.S. field projects will likely be crucial before wider expansion.

Currently, the agreement serves as a commercial test for engineered biochar. If the material meets performance expectations, integrates into existing paving systems, and supports verified carbon benefits, the Verde-Ergon collaboration could influence how carbon-storing materials are adopted in mainstream infrastructure projects.