This post is a part of the Early Stage Climate Startup series from Climafix 2024
Highlights
- Patented High-Yield Biochar Production
- Carbon-Negative Process
1. Value Proposition
- Susstains offers a sustainable and pollution-controlled biochar production process that yields over 60% more productivity while also being a cost-effective solution for industries such as steel and activated carbon. In addition to selling biochar and activated carbon, Susstains plans to generate revenue through carbon credits and hydrogen production.
2. Pain Points
- Steel Industry Emissions: The current reliance on coke in steel production results in 4.57 tonnes of CO2 emissions per tonne of steel produced. Susstains’ biochar technology reduces emissions to just 0.06 tonnes.
- Inefficiencies in Traditional Biochar Production: Traditional biochar production methods are inefficient, yielding less than 20 kg/hr per m² of reactor. Susstains’ technology significantly increases productivity.
3. Climate Impact
- CO2 Emissions Reduction: Susstains’ biochar production technology significantly reduces CO2 emissions across the steel and coal mining industries.
- By-Products for Sustainable Energy: In addition to biochar, the process produces syngas, which can be used to generate electricity or converted into hydrogen, offering additional environmental benefits.
4. Current & Future Target Segments
- Current Target Segments: Susstains is targeting both the steel industry and the activated carbon market. Early adopters such as ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel have already expressed interest in procuring their biochar for trial use.
- Future Potential: The company plans to scale its biochar production globally to meet the growing demand in industries such as steel, cement, and thermal power.
5. USPs
- Patented Clean Technology: Susstains’ patented “Self-Sustained Controlled Oxidative Flash Devolatilization System” offers a technical advantage over traditional methods like mud-pit and pyrolysis techniques. This method significantly increases productivity and reduces CO2 emissions in steel production by 4.51 tonnes per tonne of biochar produced.
Additional Information:
Their biochar production process ensures compliance with National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Pollution Control Board (PCB) norms.
6. Team Insights
- Dr. Muthu Kumar K (Founder & Product Design Lead): With a PhD from IIT Madras and a background in M.Tech, Dr. Muthu Kumar is the innovator behind Susstains’ patented biochar production technology. His expertise in product and process design developing a cost-effective, scalable system.
- Sowmya G L (Co-Founder & Business Strategy): An MBA graduate from IIM Bangalore, Sowmya leads Susstains business strategy. Her experience in scaling startups and managing business operations has been key in securing partnerships with major players in the steel and activated carbon industries.
- Karthik Kumar (Co-Founder & Supply Chain Management): With a Master’s degree from Leeds University, Karthik is responsible for optimizing Susstains’ supply chain. His deep knowledge of biomass sourcing and logistics ensures that the company can meet the growing demand for biochar while maintaining operational efficiency.
7. Startup Headquarters
- India: Chennai