While the world is waiting for Themis Ecosystem, especially their first European factory and Online Industrial Exchange (OIX), to open their doors, the team is optimizing equipment and processes.
The European construction site is getting a refined look day by day. The founder Roberto Hroval revealed that the process will be set to the highest standards and include some innovations that are not applied elsewhere in the world yet.
But one of the main upgrades didn’t come from the existing equipment. The team figured out how to transform “useless” waste into a highly demanding and highly-priced byproduct.
“There are some liquids that come out of the process of transforming wood into electricity, organic carbon, and other materials,” revealed the founder. “Our initial plan was to clean them sufficiently to become a harmless substance. Now, we decided rather to monetize them, producing additional bitumen and so-called wood vinegar. We can sell these products for top dollar. The logical update was adding a reactor for gasification of hydrocarbons and a unit for molecular degradation of output products into useful products like organic vinegar and bitumen to the process.”
While bitumen – a dark, black viscous mixture mostly used for road surfacing and roofing – is popular worldwide, wood vinegar is fairly less-known.
Wood vinegar: a game-changer for sustainable agriculture and beyond
In a world where sustainable and eco-friendly practices are becoming increasingly important, finding innovative solutions that benefit the environment, agriculture, and the economy is essential. One such solution is wood vinegar, also known as pyroligneous acid. Derived from the carbonization of wood, this natural extract offers a wide range of benefits that make it a game-changer for various industries.
Wood vinegar, also known as pyroligneous acid, is a natural extract that has gained widespread popularity in agriculture and animal feed. Its remarkable versatility and eco-friendly nature have positioned it as a compelling alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Offering non-toxic and biodegradable properties, wood vinegar holds immense potential to benefit both plants and the agricultural sector at large.
Throughout history, wood vinegar has demonstrated its ability to replace costly fossil-derived agricultural chemicals. As the carbon farming industry expands, incorporating the substance into farming practices has become imperative for those committed to sustainable, economical, and natural methods.
It infuses essential nutrients and beneficial elements that optimize plant growth and overall agricultural productivity.
As a fertilizer, it provides many benefits and advantages. It improves absorption and plant growth and fosters robust and healthy plant growth by significantly enhancing nutrient absorption through plant roots. Providing a conducive environment for nutrient uptake facilitates the development of thriving plants.
Wood vinegar strengthens roots and leaves, fortifying overall plant health and resilience, leading to more robust and resilient crops better equipped to withstand adverse conditions.
It also increases microbial activity. It catalyzes increasing the population of beneficial microbes in the soil, fostering a healthy soil ecosystem, promoting optimal plant growth, and supporting the overall agricultural ecosystem.
Wood vinegar possesses inherent properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria, effectively reducing the incidence of diseases caused by bacterial pathogens. Farmers can significantly reduce the risk of crop-related diseases by incorporating wood vinegar into agricultural practices.
The next benefit is fruit quality. An outstanding advantage of wood vinegar is its ability to boost crop resistance against challenging environmental conditions. Additionally, it increases sugar content and improves flavor, color, firmness, and preservation.
Another fantastic contribution of wood vinegar is the enhancement of photosynthesis. The liquid causes increasing in chlorophyll content and improves vitality resulting in healthier and more vibrant plants with optimized growth potential.
But fertilization is not the only way of using wood vinegar. It also serves as an alternative to chemical pesticides. As a pest repellent, it naturally and non-toxically repels pests. It helps prevent plant infections caused by fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases, safeguarding crops and promoting their health.
The next useful function of this precious liquid is as a natural deodorizer. Its application reduces unwanted odors in various settings, creating a more pleasant and odor-free environment.
Yet another usage can be the enrichment of the soil with essential nutrients, enhancing microbial activity and thus promoting overall soil fertility.
Furthermore, wood vinegar has proven effective in water and soil purification. Its application in wastewater treatment facilities helps remove pollutants and reduce water contamination.
Hence, wood vinegar´s natural properties make it an excellent choice for farmers seeking sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. By embracing the potential of Wood Vinegar, we nurture our plants, protect the environment, and pave the way for a healthier and more sustainable future.
Studies conducted by the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) highlight the potential of wood vinegar in addressing environmental challenges.
However, wood vinegar’s benefits extend beyond plant cultivation. It can be used to improve animal welfare as well. When added to animal feed, it acts as a natural growth promoter, enhancing the health and productivity of livestock. Additionally, its antimicrobial properties help control the spread of diseases in animal husbandry.
Economic opportunities of wood vinegar
Wood vinegar opens up economic opportunities across various industries. It offers a wide range of benefits that can revolutionize multiple industries. From its agricultural advantages to its positive environmental impact and economic opportunities, wood vinegar is a sustainable marvel.
As we strive for a greener and more sustainable future, embracing the potential of wood vinegar can transform agricultural practices and promote economic growth while supporting animal welfare and environmental conservation
Its versatility makes it an attractive ingredient in producing consumer goods such as cosmetics, cleaning agents, and natural repellents. Its eco-friendly nature appeals to environmentally conscious consumers, contributing to the growth of sustainable businesses.
Last, but not least, it is a highly profitable product.
The wood vinegar will be offered under the already-established brand John´s Organic Roots.
Otherwise, the founder confirmed the first and most crucial product remains green electricity. But adding some other byproducts – like organic carbon black, bitumen, and wood vinegar – without decreasing the electricity production could increase the project’s profitability enormously.
Besides working on the first Themis Ecosystem´s factory in Europe, other plans are unfolding by the plan. The team intensively works on OIX, and new companies and legal entities are forming in Switzerland. “We have a hard-working summer ahead,” concluded Hroval.
