FLS, a global leader in sustainable forestry and decarbonization initiatives, has announced a strategic partnership with HaiQi Group, a prominent environmental technology firm specializing in biomass pyrolysis. Together, the two companies will develop a series of projects in Paraguay focused on producing biochar, biocoke, and activated carbon.
This collaboration positions FLS and HaiQi as early movers in Paraguay’s emerging biocarbon sector, establishing a new benchmark for industrial solutions that deliver positive climate impact.
Alessandro Materni, Managing Partner at FLS, highlighted the multifaceted potential of the partnership:
“This initiative supports four of Paraguay’s strategic national goals—providing a stable offtake route for the forestry sector, enabling long-term carbon removal, generating clean energy, and creating substantial employment. We see biomass pyrolysis becoming a foundational pillar of Paraguay’s green industrial economy, driving regional growth, sustainability, and innovation.”
The partnership also reflects growing scrutiny within carbon markets regarding the permanence, transparency, and broader benefits of carbon removal projects. By embedding robust quality controls from the beginning, FLS and HaiQi aim to establish themselves as reliable partners for institutional buyers of carbon credits, particularly corporations with net-zero commitments.
HaiQi CEO Steven Su emphasized the shared vision:
“This alliance reflects our mutual dedication to delivering scalable and credible decarbonization solutions. As demand rises for biocarbon products and high-integrity carbon removals, we are well-positioned to serve these markets while contributing clean, renewable energy to Paraguay’s national grid.”
The initial project will convert forestry waste into biochar using HaiQi’s advanced pyrolysis and gasification systems—the first deployment of its kind in the region. Biochar offers a powerful threefold benefit: it permanently stores carbon, enhances soil productivity for agroforestry, and produces renewable electricity.
Giovanni Marastoni, Head of Analytics at FLS, noted the importance of technology selection in such projects:
“Many biochar and biocoke ventures fail because of substandard equipment. The integrity of carbon credits and the consistency required for biocoke production depend heavily on machinery quality. Low-cost systems often underperform or fail entirely. After nearly two years of rigorous due diligence and global site assessments, we’re confident that HaiQi delivers unmatched performance and reliability.”
Under the agreement, FLS will take the lead in structuring and managing the projects, while HaiQi will provide, maintain, and further develop the core technology. Both companies have agreed to work exclusively with one another on biomass pyrolysis projects within Paraguay for the duration of the partnership.
