Qualterra and Plantd will partner to develop a distrubted biochar production system that supports the mission’s of both companies.
[Cheney, WA] — [9/16/25] — Qualterra, a leader in advanced biochar and biomass processing technologies, and Plantd, a pioneer in renewable building materials made from fast-growing perennial grass, today announced a strategic partnership aimed at transforming agricultural and industrial waste into biochar. Together, the companies are driving a true circular economy model that delivers carbon-negative solutions for construction and agriculture in the U.S. and beyond
By combining Plantd’s innovative construction panels—engineered from renewable perennial grasses—with Qualterra’s biomass processing technologies that will process Plantd’s processing waste, the partnership will convert renewable byproducts into high-quality biochar. This biochar enriches soils, improves crop yields, and creates carbon credit opportunities, all while advancing climate-positive outcomes.
The collaboration begins with the deployment of a pilot-scale Biochar Production Unit (BPU) at Plantd’s facility in North Carolina. This system will validate both the agronomic benefits of biochar and its carbon sequestration potential. Building on this proof-of-concept, the companies plan to expand biochar production hubs into larger 4X and 12X and larger facilities nationwide by 2028 or sooner.
In tandem, Qualterra and Plantd will partner with farmers, agricultural consultants, and University Extension programs to boost farmer profitability through improved agronomic benefits of biochar through a collaborative field trial program. Additionally, the two companies will further develop additional commercial biochar markets and create revenue streams through biochar sales and carbon credits. Distributed production facilities are also expected to spur local job creation and foster rural community development.
“Our partnership with Plantd represents a breakthrough in scaling sustainable, circular solutions for both agriculture and construction,” said Mike Werner, CEO of Qualterra. “By transforming Plantd’s renewable building material byproducts into biochar, we’re not only improving soil health and farm productivity, but also creating a powerful climate-positive impact. Together, we are proving that science-driven sustainability and economic profitability can go hand in hand.”
“At Plantd, we’re committed to removing carbon at a gigaton scale,” said Nathan Silvernail, Co-Founder and CEO of Plantd. “By joining forces with Qualterra, we accelerate that mission—transforming our renewable feedstocks into both superior building products and biochar that locks carbon away for generations. This is how industries can lead the fight against climate change.”
About Qualterra
Qualterra delivers innovations for agriculture and sustainability, with technologies spanning molecular plant testing, propagation, biomass waste processing, and biochar production. Headquartered in Washington State, Qualterra operates three commercial facilities serving the state’s leading agricultural regions. Learn more at www.qualterraag.com.
About Plantd
Plantd develops advanced technologies to manufacture carbon-negative building materials from fast-growing perennial grass. Through a vertically integrated supply chain and all-electric, modular manufacturing systems, Plantd transforms atmospheric carbon into renewable materials that lower costs for builders and reverse climate change. Learn more at www.plantdmaterials.com.