Suntory Holdings and TOWING Begin Full-Scale Production of High-Functional Biochar Using Beverage Manufacturing Residues

Suntory Holdings and TOWING, a green agritech startup, have confirmed the yield-enhancing effects of high-functional biochar through joint demonstration experiments. Based on these results, both companies will begin full-scale production of high-functional biochar starting this month to establish a regional resource circulation model for manufacturing residues in the Kyushu area.

Suntory and TOWING have been conducting these experiments since May 2025, with the goal of creating new value through upcycling manufacturing residues and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by curbing chemical fertilizer use through high-functional biochar. In this experiment, high-functional biochar was produced by cultivating microbial clusters proprietary to TOWING on biochar derived from tea grounds generated at Suntory Group's beverage factories. This biochar was then applied to tea plantations contracted by Suntory. The results showed a consistent yield increase of approximately 30% in both the first and second terms, while maintaining crop quality.

Following these results, the companies will start full-scale production using residues from the Suntory Kyushu Kumamoto Plant. By applying this to the tea plantations, they aim to build a regional circulation model that promotes sustainable agriculture using local resources.

Furthermore, Suntory and TOWING are exploring the production and use of high-functional biochar overseas. Specifically, they have been conducting demonstration experiments in Thailand since 2025—now in their second phase—applying high-functional biochar made from rice husks to local sugarcane fields. In Southeast Asia, agricultural waste burning is a severe environmental issue; this initiative aims to contribute to resolving these regional problems and reducing GHG emissions, in addition to stabilizing crop yields.

Suntory Group has traditionally achieved 100% recycling of manufacturing residues by using them as feed or fertilizer. Recently, the group has positioned high-value-added upcycling as a key theme in realizing a circular society. Furthermore, it is promoting sustainable agriculture, such as regenerative farming, that preserves and restores soil health and biodiversity while contributing to improving farmers' livelihoods. The high-functional biochar now entering full-scale production embodies these efforts and is expected to contribute to higher yields in organic fertilizer-based cultivation. This is anticipated to lead to GHG emission reductions through lower chemical fertilizer reliance and contribute to resource circulation through residue upcycling.

TOWING is a startup founded in 2020 and spun out of Nagoya University, with the mission of realizing a "hyper-circular society" starting from sustainable next-generation agriculture. It develops "Soratan," a high-functional biochar created by combining technology from the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) with its own proprietary techniques.

"Soratan" is an upcycled material made from regional unused biomass or food factory residues. By anchoring useful microbial clusters onto the biochar, it improves soil environments quickly, contributing to the stabilization of crop quality and yields. It also allows for a reduction in chemical fertilizer use by increasing the efficiency of organic fertilizers and can generate carbon credits by sequestering carbon in farmland over long periods.

TOWING aims to build a sustainable food production system and realize a carbon-neutral society through the widespread adoption of "Soratan," which realizes both improved agricultural productivity and reduced environmental impact.

Both companies are committed to working toward carbon neutrality and a circular society through their sustainable agriculture activities.