DENR researchers produce charcoal from forest wastes

A new technology in charcoal production was developed recently by the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Called DENR charcoal, it utilizes forest waste like twigs, leaves, branches, sawdust and grasses, and cellulosic garbage in making charcoal briquettes. Agricultural waste like rice hull and corn cobs are also used.

This technology is a response to the twin problems of forest depletion and poverty in the uplands as it will lessen the pressures and threats to forest plantations while the income generating activity of charcoal making continues. Its use is also relevant in pursuing the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. On the economy side of the consumers, it is a cheap source of fuel for domestic and industrial uses. As expected, it is environment friendly as carbon dioxide, which is being emitted in the process, is very minimal as compared with the traditional way of charcoal production.

The heating value of the DENR charcoal briquettes is also amazing. It is double to triple ... depending upon the waste material used, than the ordinary charcoal.

The production of charcoal briquettes is not highly merchandised, though it uses briquetting machines fabricated by the Forest Product Research and Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology. They are composed of briquetter, grinder/shredder, and carbonizer (plate and drum type).

The DENR charcoal has been introduced by ERDB in several community-based forest management (CBFM) areas. Several training sessions were also conducted in the different sites in order to promote each adoption. Each site was provided with briquetting machines for the continuous production of the charcoal briquettes. The machines are being maintained by the DENR regional offices. To ensure the services to the producers and would-be producers of this technology, the DENR Charcoal Task Force has been created in ERDB, Los Baños, Laguna and with counterparts in DENR regional offices. The prospect of wide and sutainable adoption of DENR charcoal is possible when the people realize its beneficial effects. Its advocacy therefore, is essential.