Weyerhaeuser and Aymium Partner to Scale Biocarbon Production
Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE: WY) has announced a significant partnership with Aymium aimed at producing and selling 1.5 million tons of sustainable biocarbon annually. This collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), will primarily serve the metals production industry, providing a renewable alternative to coal. A joint venture named TerraForge Biocarbon Solutions has been established to facilitate this initiative, with plans for a facility to be constructed next to Weyerhaeuser's lumber mill in McComb, Mississippi.
Details of the Partnership
Under the terms of the MOU, Weyerhaeuser and Aymium will collaborate to secure long-term sales agreements for biocarbon and identify new facility sites over the next five years. This strategy will enhance Weyerhaeuser's extensive timberland resources while utilizing Aymium's advanced technology to establish a robust production network.
At full capacity, these facilities are projected to convert over 7 million tons of wood fiber—sourced exclusively from Weyerhaeuser—into 1.5 million tons of metallurgical-grade biocarbon each year. The biocarbon will serve as a drop-in replacement for coal in the production of iron, steel, silicon, ferro-alloys, and other metals.
Technological Innovations and Market Demand
Aymium brings to the partnership a strong sales pipeline developed through extensive trials with leading global metals producers. Their patented biocarbon products can immediately substitute traditional coal and coke, eliminating the need for capital investment or modifications to existing processes. The superior qualities of Aymium's products—such as enhanced carbon levels and energy value—position them as a desirable option in the market.
Strategic Implications for Weyerhaeuser
Weyerhaeuser, which manages over 10 million acres of timberland across the U.S., is well-equipped to support this biocarbon initiative. Devin W. Stockfish, president and CEO of Weyerhaeuser, emphasized that this partnership not only reinforces their commitment to sustainability but also supports the company’s broader growth strategy through 2030. The McComb facility is expected to generate new demand for fiber, benefiting both local operations and community employment.
Statements from Leadership
James Mennell, CEO of Aymium, underscored the advantages of partnering with Weyerhaeuser: "The reliability, scale of sustainable supply, and forestland expertise of Weyerhaeuser provide unmatched sourcing security of our main raw material to support expansion." This partnership is set to significantly enhance Aymium's manufacturing capacity, allowing for the production of biocarbon as a renewable and scalable resource.
About Aymium and Weyerhaeuser
Aymium is the recognized leader in biocarbon technology, holding over 600 patents and operating multiple production facilities in North America. Their eco-friendly products are engineered to replace coal and coke in various applications, including metals production.
Weyerhaeuser, founded in 1900, is one of the largest private owners of timberlands, controlling approximately 10.4 million acres in the U.S. The company emphasizes sustainability and operates under recognized forestry standards, generating $7.1 billion in net sales in 2024 while employing around 9,400 people.
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve uncertainties and risks. The realization of projected figures such as biocarbon production and market demand depends on various factors that may cause actual results to deviate.