South San Francisco, CA – September 19, 2025 – Bioforcetech (BFT), a Bay Area-based leader in waste transformation and carbon-negative solutions, has been awarded the BEAM Circular Business Innovation Grant to investigate Biochar Additives in Natural Rubber.
With this funding, Bioforcetech will process almond shells into biochar at a variety of processing parameters to create carbon-negative rubber additives. Thanks to the BFT Sigma pyrolysis unit’s unique hybrid heating system, exact times and temperatures allow for consistent ‘designer carbon’ biochar production that can fine tune the characteristics of the biochar produced.
By processing almond shells at a full breadth of characteristics, Bioforcetech will work to validate specific traits in the biochar that can aid in the performance of the rubber compounds. In partnership with USDA ARS WRRF researchers, these biochars will then be compounded into natural rubbers and will undergo performance testing. The end goal is to target the production of rubber harvesting attachments in farming equipment that degrade into soil during harvesting. As these biochar infused natural rubber parts degrade due to the harsh conditions they endure, the biochar will enhance the soil rather than harm it as synthetics can. This breakthrough project expands the company’s commitment to transforming waste streams into scalable, carbon-negative materials that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and strengthen California’s circular economy.
Supported by the California Jobs First initiative, the award provides catalytic funding to help advance innovation, de-risk new technologies, and accelerate commercialization at local start-ups delivering positive community impact. A total of $924,425 across 10 businesses, spanning sectors from sustainable textiles to alternative energy.
“This recognition adds to Bioforcetech’s growing portfolio of innovations, including its flagship product OurCarbon®, a circular carbon material made from organic waste that has been successfully deployed in concrete, pigments, and sustainable design applications. With such a consistent and precise pyrolysis unit, we envision a broad portfolio of installations producing ‘designer carbons’ to help decarbonize many industries,” said Garrett Benisch, Bioforcetech’s Director of Design Development.
About Bioforcetech
Bioforcetech is a U.S.-based innovator in biosolids management, specializing in transforming waste into carbon-negative solutions with a wide range of applications. The company uses biological drying and advanced patented pyrolysis technology to convert biosolids into OurCarbon, a sustainable biochar used in concrete mixes, inks, and other materials. Their process also addresses pressing environmental concerns, such as the reduction of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” to undetectable levels. By aligning with circular economy principles and offering scalable solutions, Bioforcetech is at the forefront of waste management and sustainable material development, paving the way for impactful climate solutions. Visit
About OurCarbon
Divert Waste. Fix Carbon. Change Industry.
OurCarbon® is a sustainable, fixed-carbon material created from organic waste that would otherwise contribute to environmental harm. Made through Bioforcetech’s patented pyrolysis technology, OurCarbon diverts waste from landfills, transforms it at net-zero energy, and applies it in beneficial ways—preventing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based materials. OurCarbon is used to achieve low carbon structural concrete and replace petroleum-based black pigments in screen printing, polymers, paints, fabric dyes, and more. By repurposing waste into valuable materials, OurCarbon is pioneering a circular, climate-positive approach to sustainability.
www.ourcarbon.co