Swiss Partners
ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences – School of Management and Law (SML) / Center for International Industrial Solutions (CIIS), Winterthur
www.zhaw.ch
Nico Pfändler
Generation Carbon, Basel-Landschaft
www.generation-carbon.ch
Natürlich Meister Holzart GmbH, Thayngen
www.meisterholzart.ch
Local Partner
Universidad de la Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Centro de Estudios Integrales de la Dinámica Exógena
LASA AGRO, Argentina
www.lasa-agro.com
Gurrieri Maderas – Curupay SAS, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Swiss Contribution
The project is implemented by a consortium led by ZHAW in Switzerland, which provides expertise in sustainability, business model development, LCA and project management. Generation Carbon and Meister Holzart bring advanced technical knowledge in pyrolysis, heat transfer and wood drying, driving the development of the pilot plant, and ensuring the production of high-quality biochar and dried wood.
Description
The economy of the city of Caimancito, Jujuy, Argentina, relies heavily on the wood industry. The project will tap into the huge potential offered by the daily 270 tons of wood waste that this industry generates. These wood residues are currently burnt, which leads to pollution and health issues. Through pyrolysis, this pollution can be mitigated while producing biochar, which can be used for soil amendment. The residual heat from the pyrolysis process will be used for professional drying of construction wood, producing high-quality, high-value wood for the flooring industry.
Results
Their achievements included completing the wood residue report and residue collection concept, operating the pilot plant and conducting initial pyrolysis test runs, with successful technology transfer to local partners. The team will optimise the drying process with expert support, finalise business cases for high-value wood products, pursue biochar certification (Artisan C-Sink) and plan logistics for scaling up.