In a bid to curb its aviation emissions, Boeing partners with Charm Industrial to remove 100,000 metric tons of CO₂ using underground bio-oil injection technology.
Aviation’s Emissions Dilemma
Aviation is one of the hardest industries to decarbonize. With limited progress on sustainable fuels and electrification, companies like Boeing are turning to carbon removal to meet climate targets.
- The aviation sector is projected to spend at least $60 billion by 2050 on carbon offsets to reach net-zero goals.
- In this context, Boeing’s new deal with Charm Industrial signals a serious commitment to alternative climate solutions.
How Charm Industrial Removes Carbon
Charm Industrial, a San Francisco-based climate startup, has developed a unique method of permanent carbon sequestration:
- It collects agricultural and forestry waste—materials that would otherwise decompose and release CO₂.
- Using pyrolysis, Charm converts this waste into bio-oil, a thick, hydrocarbon-rich liquid.
- The bio-oil is injected deep underground, including into depleted oil wells, where it is securely stored.
- The process creates carbon removal credits, which Charm sells to companies seeking to offset emissions.
Boeing’s 100,000-Ton Carbon Removal Deal
While financial terms were not disclosed, the scale of the deal is significant:
- Boeing will purchase carbon removal for 100,000 metric tons of CO₂.
- For comparison, Charm previously sold 112,000 carbon credits to Frontier for $53 million, at around $470 per ton.
- Charm aims to lower the cost to $50 per ton, making carbon removal more scalable over time.
Beyond Bio-Oil: Charm’s Soil Innovation
Charm is also exploring biochar—a byproduct of its process that can enhance soil health when applied to agricultural fields.
- Biochar has the potential to improve soil productivity and water retention, but its climate and agronomic benefits are still being studied.
- According to carbon registry Isometric, Charm’s biochar work is in its early stages, compared to the more developed bio-oil sequestration model.
A Strategic Move for Boeing
The agreement helps Boeing:
- Offset emissions while more sustainable aviation technologies mature.
- Demonstrate climate leadership in an industry under growing environmental scrutiny.
- Participate in the emerging carbon removal market, which could play a central role in long-term net-zero strategies.
The Bigger Picture: Carbon Removal as a Climate Tool
Charm’s deal with Boeing highlights a broader industry trend:
- Carbon removal is gaining traction as a complementary path to decarbonization, especially for hard-to-abate sectors like aviation, steel, and cement.
- As costs drop and regulation tightens, early adopters like Boeing may gain both reputational and regulatory advantages.
Boeing has partnered with Charm Industrial to remove 100,000 metric tons of CO₂ using underground bio-oil injection. The move highlights carbon removal as a viable emissions strategy for aviation, with Charm targeting significant cost reductions to scale its solution globally.
