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Course:CONS200/2025FL1/Binchotan: Traditional Japanese coal-making and its impact on carbon emissions

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Binchotan

Binchotan charcoal burning
Figure 1. Binchotan charcoal burning. Image from Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Binchotan is a specialized type of charcoal from Japan, traditionally made from ubame oak [1]. It has a porous structure, burns at high temperatures, and can last a long time because of its high carbon content and degree of carbonization[2].

Process of making binchotan

Once wood is harvested, it is wrapped in a bundle and thrown in a large kiln that fits an upright bundle of wood. When the kiln is lit, it is left to burn at a low temperature for 6-7 days, allowing the wood to turn into charcoal[3].

The final process of binchotan production is "seiren" where the charcoal is refined [4]. This is when more openings are gradually added to the kiln to increase air flow for 24-48 hours where the temperature reaches 1000° centigrade and is rapidly cooled afterwards. This process gives the charcoal the dense, tight, hard, over 90% carbon content properties [5] When the kiln is being emptied, binchotan makers cover the charcoal with sand, dust, or water to cool them down, giving it the white complexion.

Figure 2. Binchotan kiln for harvest. Image from Wikipedia Commons

Uses

Binchotan is often used for grilling barbecues, smoking, and slow-cooking of food because of its dense structure allowing for the charcoal to be burned at low temperatures at steady and extended periods of time[6]. It is also a popular choice in restaurants because it gives a smoky flavour to food and ensures for thorough cooking and caramelization due to its even heat distribution. In Japan, it is used for traditional cooking methods such as robata (grilling over charcoal) and sumibiyaki (charcoal grilling).

It can also be used for water purification. Due to its highly porous structure and high carbon content [7], it has the ability to absorb chlorine and heavy metals, unpleasant odours, and excess minerals [8].

Similarly, it can function as an air purifier. Some Japanese households may hang a piece of binchotan in rooms or wardrobes because can absorb humidity and neutralize odours [9].

History

Binchotan charcoal has been used in Japan for over 400 years, beginning in the Edo period (1603-1863). Craftspeople in the Kishu region (modern-day Wakayama Prefecture) developed a slow carbonization technique using Ubame oak, creating a dense, glossy charcoal valued for cooking, metalworking, and tea ceremonies [10]. This method required highly skilled craftsmen who could carefully control temperature and airflow inside the kiln to create charcoal with extremely high carbon purity. The quality of binchotan became so well known that it was traded across Japan and associated with high-status household artisans.

During the Meiji Restoration, Japan underwent a rapid modernization period that transformed its energy systems. Coal and electricity became widely available, which caused traditional charcoal use, including binchotan, to decline sharply [11]. Many charcoal makers left the trade during this time, and rural regions that relied on charcoal production saw economic shifts as demand dropped. Although some families continue the tradition, charcoal was no longer a primary source of household energy.

Interest in binchotan rose again around the late 20th century as people became more focused on sustainability, craftsmanship, and natural materials. Additionally, Japan's growing food culture and the rise of specialty dining experiences helped revive binchotan's popularity, especially among chefs who valued its clean and high temperature for grilling. Beyond cooking, new uses emerged as researchers began exploring binchotan's structure for filtration and purification. Today, binchotan is used for water treatment, air purification, deodorizing, and even in fuel-cell research and development due to its stable carbon and electrochemical properties [12].

However this revival also brough new sustainability challenges. Due to the slow growth of Ubame oak, it puts pressure on forests in Wakayama and nearby regions with increased rate of harvesting. Overharvesting can lead to disturbed forest growth, reduced regeneration, soil degradation, and negative impacts on the ecosystem that once flourished in these forests. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (2022), global charcoal demand has already contributed to forest degradation in many areas and warned similar pressures could come to Japan if production is not managed [13]. In response, some producers have adopted sustainable practices, such as selective harvesting, rotational cutting, and supporting forest restoration projects. These approaches aim to protect forest health while maintaining the cultural and economic values of binchotan production.

Overall, the history of binchotan reflects a long lasting relationship between culture, craftsmanship, and environmental action. Its legacy shows how forest production can change in meaning and use over the course of its history.

Environmental Impact

A growing worldwide demand for binchotan charcoal directly causes more tree-farming operations to begin, potentially leading to land degradation, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. The United Nations Environmental Program notes that even in "renewable" tree-farming operations, there is still a significant negative effect on biodiversity because of monoculture practices. Although unsustainable tree-farming for binchotan charcoal has degraded many environments, there is still forestry recovery on them that is possible in many scenarios. The average recovery time for these forests is around 22 years with proper management.[14]

There are around 10 million hectares of forest lost annually, with charcoal farming causing around 7% of the total losses[15]. Most charcoal farming occurs in Africa and Brazil, with Brazil being the highest producer of charcoal in the world[16]. Although Brazil produces the most charcoal, Africa carries 80% of the deforestation [17]. These massive deforestations reduce the sequestering of carbon in our atmosphere while also emitting greenhouse gases during the process, with 11% of carbon emissions coming from deforestation[18]. Forest removal can also lead to increased soil erosion, nutrient loss, compaction, increased water runoff, and reduced evapotranspiration[19]. Not only are there extremely harmful effects from deforestation, but also commonly a shift in land use. In Zambia, 70% of forested land that was once cleared for charcoal production is converted to settlements or agricultural plots[20]. Aside from deforestation, monoculture farming (which is labelled as "renewable") removes biodiversity from ecosystems drastically[21]. Compared to natural tree farming, monoculture farming may sequester less carbon than a natural forest while also reducing long-term carbon stocks.

Clearing forests for charcoal doesn’t just remove trees, it can disrupt natural water-cycle mechanisms within the deforested environments such as transpiration, infiltration, or interception. Large-scale deforestation operations can reduce evapotranspiration and interception of rainfall, weakening moisture recycling and decreasing precipitation on the deforested and down wind  environments [22]. Water supply from rivers or streams, groundwater recharge, and an environment's general hydrology is very dependent on forest cover, meaning deforestation for charcoal entirely changes an ecosystem's water cycle[23].

Carbon Impact

Binchotan is often viewed as an cleaner charcoal due its reduced pollutants compared to other charcoals. Studies show it releases fewer cabonyl compounds and less fine particulate matter when used for cooking, which is why many restaurants prefer to use it when indoors [24]. Its dense structure also allows it to burn longer and hotter, meaning in some cases, users will have greater fuel efficiency when using binchotan. However, binchotan still has environmental impacts throughout its entire production cycle.

Many regions around the world have linked charcoal production to deforestation and forest degradation. Although binchotan is produced mainly in Japan on a much smaller scale, it is still important to understand how charcoal affects forests globally. Studies show that in tropical countries, the demand of charcoal has contributed to losses in forest cover, reduction in carbon storage, and changes to local ecosystems [25]. The United Nations Environment Programme (2022) also reports that as charcoal usage grows worldwide, pressures on forests is increasing, especially in areas where harvesting is unregulated[26]. 950 million people in the Sub-Saharan region of Africa primarily rely on charcoal for cooking, meaning that it is supported by the decimation of 80% of forest biomass due to charcoal production [27]. As logging for charcoal already leads to mass deforestation, this subsequently degrades the carbon storage capacity of forests and instead releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 2.1 billion tons of carbon is emitted annually from deforestation [28]. While Japan has strong forest management systems, the rising demand for binchotan charcoal could cause issues if harvesting is not managed.

When the extraction of material used to process binchotan coal already takes a toll on the environment by reducing carbon sinks and releasing CO2 from excess cutting, the processing of coal itself also brings detrimental effects from being used in the grill. Charcoal grilling releases large quantities of pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when it is burned[29]. Additionally, food can increase emissions when fumes are produced as oil, fat, and foodstuffs leak onto the charcoal. Luckily, binchotan can be reused multiple times, meaning that it can be less wasteful and more cost-effective than other other disposable fuels [30]. Since many homes and restaurants depend on charcoal as fuel to cook their food, it inevitably contributes to the increase of greenhouse gases.

Charcoal production also creates pollution before its even used as fuel. During carbonization, the wood is heated at extremely high temperatures inside kilns. Traditional kiln's release large amounts of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and organic compounds into the atmosphere [31]. All of these pollutants contribute to air quality problems and are major players in global greenhouse gas emissions. Even modern and efficient kilns release some emissions, although in smaller amounts. After production, when charcoal is burned for fuel, additional smoke and pollutants are producing, adding onto the already high levels of greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere. Binchotan itself produces fewer harmful gases compared to other types of charcoal, but its production and use is not without any downsides.

Another environmental concern is that fuel source and energy required to make binchotan. Producing the high quality charcoal requires heating Ubame oak to extremely high temperatures for a long time. Some producers use fossil fuels or other forms of biomass to keep kilns hot enough, which adds to the total carbon footprint of the process. Improving kiln efficiency and switching to a more sustainable energy source are important steps in reducing emissions from charcoal production. Researchers argue that for more efficient charcoal production requires more efficient kilns and better forest management policies are key to creating a sustainable charcoal industry[32].

Despite these challenges, there are promising solutions that can help. Sustainable forestry methods, including selective harvesting, rotational cutting, and forest restoration programs can help reduce pressure on ubame oak forests. Community based forest management and payment of ecosystem programs can also support responsible production and improve traceability. It is possible to offset these impacts by replanting trees and engaging in sustainable forestry methods[33]. Although binchotan burns more cleanly than other charcoal types, its environmental impact is based on whether the wood is ethically and sustainably sourced. With proper environmental planning and improved technology, the binchotan industry can become more sustainable while protecting its cultural values and economic importance.

Social Impact

The Binchotan industry provides a stable source of income for local communities in Wakayama Prefecture. Unlike mass-market charcoal, Kishu Binchotan is a high-quality product that is legally protected by Japan’s Geographical Indication (GI) system. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries [34], this GI status is essential because it protects the brand from low-quality imitations and ensures that the economic benefits remain within the local community. Consequently, this protection allows producers to sell their charcoal at a premium price. For example, in the Minabe-Tanabe region, which is designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS), charcoal production is integrated with Ume (plum) farming. This system allows approximately 1,600 households to diversify their income sources and maintain their livelihoods throughout the year [35].

In addition to its economic value, the Binchotan industry plays a significant role in preserving traditional culture and environmental sustainability. The production process relies on "tacit knowledge," such as judging the kiln temperature by the color of the smoke, which must be passed down from masters to apprentices. The Agency for Cultural Affairs [36] recognizes these traditional techniques as selected conservation techniques, emphasizing the need to protect this cultural heritage. Furthermore, the industry supports the local environment through the Satoyama system, where people live in harmony with nature. Producers use a method called "coppicing" to harvest ubame oak trees, which allows the trees to regenerate naturally. Takeuchi [37] notes that this cycle helps maintain a mosaic landscape that supports biodiversity and contributes to a sustainable carbon cycle.

Despite these integrated economic and ecological benefits, the industry’s future is precarious. The work is physically punishing, requiring producers to manage kilns around the clock at temperatures exceeding 1,000°C—a task that becomes increasingly difficult for an aging workforce. The Annual Report on Forest and Forestry highlights a critical shortage of new entrants, noting that the country's demographic shift has left many kilns without successors[38]. This labor gap is more than an economic statistic; it represents a tangible risk that the specialized techniques and the unique social ecosystem built around Binchotan could fade with the current generation of artisans.

Alternatives

While traditional binchotan production attempts to engage in more ethical and sustainable wood extraction for charcoal production, the environmental consequences of charcoal production and use is still considerable. Because ubame oak is being preserved to avoid over-logging, farming for binchotan wood must be conducted ethically to prevent over-consumption[39].To reduce the impact of this fossil fuel on the environment, it is possible to use wood alternatives to synthesize binchotan.

For example, using coconut husks that are leftover from harvests or from unused shells dropping from trees is more sustainable as it makes use of coconuts that would go to waste and does not entail large scale deforestation[40]. In Douala, Cameroon, banana peels and other food waste are being used to make charcoal[41]. Not only does it prevent clearcutting mangroves for firewood, it also helps with waste management to clear the streets of organics. Other materials such as coffee pulp, fecal matter, and maize could also be used instead of wood to create binchotan[42].

References

  1. ↑ Fuijmoto, N. (2023, May 23). Binchotan Charcoal: How it’s Made and Why it’s Awesome. Knifewear - Handcrafted Japanese Kitchen Knives. https://knifewear.com/blogs/articles/binchotan-charcoal-how-it-is-made-and-why-it-is-awesome?srsltid=AfmBOoqpww5Z7bz-J72zuBE8ypGfa-SG-s-epdGy2ol11I2mg-0SZz8o
  2. ↑ Stassen, H. E. (2015). Current issues in charcoal production and use. In W. van Swaaij, S. Kersten, & W. Palz (Eds.), Biomass Power for the World (pp. 425–472). Pan Stanford. https://books.google.ca/books?hl=en&lr=&id=GJq9BwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA425&dq=binchotan+impact+on+carbon+emissions&ots=pxzhS7Uwz1&sig=HbtuZnqxmx_HkIEdD_nV8Xu7h4o#v=onepage&q&f=false
  3. ↑ Rayne, P. (2020, March 16). The History and Benefits of Activated Binchotan Charcoal. Defiance Gear. https://defiancegear.com/blogs/news/the-history-and-benefits-of-activated-binchotan-charcoal
  4. ↑ Fuijmoto, N. (2023, May 23). Binchotan Charcoal: How it’s Made and Why it’s Awesome. Knifewear - Handcrafted Japanese Kitchen Knives. https://knifewear.com/blogs/articles/binchotan-charcoal-how-it-is-made-and-why-it-is-awesome?srsltid=AfmBOoqpww5Z7bz-J72zuBE8ypGfa-SG-s-epdGy2ol11I2mg-0SZz8o
  5. ↑ Huang, H.-L., Lee, W.-M. G., & Wu, F.-S. (2016). Emissions of air pollutants from indoor charcoal barbecue. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 302, 198–207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2015.09.048
  6. ↑ Japan Village (17 March 2024). "Unlocking the Mysteries of Binchotan Charcoal: Japan's Secret Treasure".
  7. ↑ Chia, C. H., Joseph, S. D., Rawal, A., Linser, R., Hook, J. M., & Munroe, P. (2014). Microstructural characterization of white charcoal. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 109, 215–221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaap.2014.06.009
  8. ↑ Caldwell, K. (2024). Everything you need to know about cooking with Binchotan Charcoal. Smoke and Flame. https://smokeandflame.net/blogs/what-type-of-woodsmoke-should-i-use-on-my-bbq/everything-you-need-to-know-about-cooking-with-binchotan-charcoal?srsltid=AfmBOoqBwiJWs-MWaEgNyIaBOeJ-qjYeCwHspNFjg0PlsaZN8HYiNd-O
  9. ↑ Vietnam Charcoal. (2023). Benefits Of Japanese Binchotan Charcoal - Vietnam Charcoal. Vietnam Charcoal - High Quality Charcoal Supplier in Vietnam. https://vietnamcharcoal.com/benefits-of-japanese-binchotan-charcoal/
  10. ↑ Shimanishi, T. (2024). Coal in Modern Japanese History. Japanese Society and Culture. https://doi.org/10.52882/2434-1738-0613
  11. ↑ Shimanishi, T. (2024). Coal in Modern Japanese History. Japanese Society and Culture. https://doi.org/10.52882/2434-1738-0613
  12. ↑ Syarif, N., Rohendi, D., Nanda, A. D., Sandi, M. T., & Sihombing, D. S. W. B. (2022). Gas diffusion layer from binchotan carbon and its electrochemical properties for supporting electrocatalyst in fuel cells. AIMS Energy, 10(2), 292–305. https://doi.org/10.3934/energy.2022016
  13. ↑ United Nations Environment Programme. (2022). Charcoal as a global commodity: Is it sustainable? FORESIGHT Brief 030. https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/40469/CHARCOAL.pdf
  14. ↑ "Forest degradation and recovery in a miombo woodland landscape in Zambia: 22 years of observations on permanent sample plots". 2024, March 12. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ↑ "Charcoal as a global commodity: is it sustainable?". 2022, October 7. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ↑ Nogueira, L. A. H. "Sustainable charcoal production in Brazil" (PDF).
  17. ↑ Neufeldt, H. "From transition fuel to viable energy source: improving sustainability in the sub-Saharan charcoal sector" (PDF).
  18. ↑ "Charcoal as a global commodity: is it sustainable?". 2022, October 7. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  19. ↑ Neufeldt, H. "From transition fuel to viable energy source: improving sustainability in the sub-Saharan charcoal sector" (PDF).
  20. ↑ Pelletier, J.; Hamalambo, B.; Trainor, A.; C. B., Barrett (2021). "How land tenure and labor relations mediate charcoal's environmental footprint in Zambia: Implications for sustainable energy transitions" (PDF).
  21. ↑ "Charcoal as a global commodity: is it sustainable?". 2022, October 7. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ↑ Smith, C. (2023). [pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9995269/? "Tropical deforestation causes large reductions in observed precipitation"] Check |url= value (help).
  23. ↑ Sun, G. (2004, November 12). "Regional annual water yield from forest lands and its response to potential deforestation across the southeastern United States" (PDF). Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. ↑ Huang, H.-L., Lee, W.-M. G., & Wu, F.-S. (2016). Emissions of air pollutants from indoor charcoal barbecue. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 302, 198–207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2015.09.048
  25. ↑ Chidumayo, E. N., & Gumbo, D. J. (2013). The environmental impacts of charcoal production in tropical ecosystems: A synthesis. Energy for Sustainable Development, 17(2), 86–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esd.2012.07.004
  26. ↑ United Nations Environment Programme. (2022). Charcoal as a global commodity: Is it sustainable? FORESIGHT Brief 030. https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/40469/CHARCOAL.pdf
  27. ↑ Dhanesha, N. (2021). Charcoal may be great for barbecues — but it’s bad for the planet. Ideas.ted.com. https://ideas.ted.com/environmental-impact-of-charcoal-barbecue/
  28. ↑ Pearson, T. R. H., Brown, S., Murray, L., & Sidman, G. (2017). Greenhouse gas emissions from tropical forest degradation: an underestimated source. Carbon Balance and Management, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13021-017-0072-2
  29. ↑ Mencarelli, Alessio (October 2023). "Charcoal-based products combustion: Emission profiles, health exposure, and mitigation strategies". Environmental Advances. 13: pp1-2.CS1 maint: extra text (link)
  30. ↑ Vietnam Charcoal. (2023, March 25). Benefits Of Japanese Binchotan Charcoal - Vietnam Charcoal. Vietnam Charcoal - High Quality Charcoal Supplier in Vietnam. https://vietnamcharcoal.com/benefits-of-japanese-binchotan-charcoal/
  31. ↑ Chidumayo, E. N., & Gumbo, D. J. (2013). The environmental impacts of charcoal production in tropical ecosystems: A synthesis. Energy for Sustainable Development, 17(2), 86–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esd.2012.07.004
  32. ↑

    Njenga, M., Karanja, N., Munster, C., Iiyama, M., Neufeldt, H., Kithinji, J., & Jamnadass, R. (2013). Charcoal production and strategies to enhance its sustainability in Kenya. Development in Practice, 23(3), 359–371. https://doi.org/10.1080/09614524.2013.780529
  33. ↑ Perkins, M. (2022). Where does charcoal come from—and is it sustainable? Penn Today. https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/where-does-charcoal-come-and-it-sustainable
  34. ↑ Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. (2017). "Geographical indication (GI) protection system: Registered GI 30 - Kishu Binchotan".
  35. ↑ Minabe-Tanabe Ume System Promotion Council (2015). "Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) application: Minabe-Tanabe Ume System".
  36. ↑ Agency for Cultural Affairs (2020). "Conservation of selected techniques for the preservation of cultural property".
  37. ↑ Kazuhiko, Takeuchi (2010). "Rebuilding the relationship between people and nature: The Satoyama Initiative". Ecological Research. 25(5): 891–897.
  38. ↑ Forestry Agency (2022). "Annual report on forest and forestry in Japan: Fiscal year 2021" (PDF).
  39. ↑ Fuijmoto, N. (2023, May 23). Binchotan Charcoal: How it’s Made and Why it’s Awesome. Knifewear - Handcrafted Japanese Kitchen Knives. https://knifewear.com/blogs/articles/binchotan-charcoal-how-it-is-made-and-why-it-is-awesome?srsltid=AfmBOoqpww5Z7bz-J72zuBE8ypGfa-SG-s-epdGy2ol11I2mg-0SZz8o
  40. ↑ Sierra-Mohamed, S. (2024). The Sustainable Charcoal Alternative Michael Symon Uses When Grilling. Food Republic. https://www.foodrepublic.com/1627158/charcoal-alternative-michael-symon-grilling/
  41. ↑ Hall, M. (2018). Top 5 greener alternatives to charcoal. Deutsche Welle. https://www.dw.com/en/top-5-greener-alternatives-to-charcoal/a-43268826
  42. ↑ Hall, M. (2018). Top 5 greener alternatives to charcoal. Deutsche Welle. https://www.dw.com/en/top-5-greener-alternatives-to-charcoal/a-43268826


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