Corigin is a California-based company that converts agricultural waste into organic and regenerative farm inputs while permanently removing carbon from the atmosphere.
The project started in March 2022 with Corigin’s first plant being operational in Merced, CA using Pyrovac technology. Corigin aims at duplicating this facility in other agriculture-rich locations with plenty of low value residues used as a feedstock for the biochar production.
Corigin’s operations are having a positive impact beyond carbon removal. Main focus is to help farmers sustainably intensify their operations and improve soil fertility for generations to come. Corigin’s soil amendment product Coriphol, containing biochar, displaces synthetic and chemical fertilizer use. The company creates jobs in rural areas by upcycling agricultural waste.
From waste to value
The project converts low value residues, including nutshells, orchard trimmings, stover, stems, husks, pits and pumice into high value biochar used for soil improvement products. End products include organic bio-distillates and biocarbon solids for regenerative agriculture and carbon sequestration applications.
“80% of what’s grown by farmers is crop waste, such as trimmings, pits, pumice, stalks and nutshells. Corigin unlocks the biocarbon and biochemical value of such residue to help farmers grow more at lower costs.”
No waste carbon negative process
Corigin's biochar technology is based on vacuum pyrolysis using advanced technology. The vacuum pyrolysis process ensures that all vapors and oils are condensed into refined aqueous and oily bio-distillates. Biochar is collected gravimetrically and the non-condensable biogas is used as an energy source to sustain the reaction. The process is highly efficient and does not generate any harmful emissions or waste. Even the non-condensable gas generated is utilized for maintaining the temperature needed to run the pyrolysis.
The pyrolysis process is highly efficient and does not generate any harmful emissions or waste. Even the non-condensable gas generated is utilised for maintaining the temperature needed to run the pyrolysis.