Sustainability

Kochii highly values the sustainability of our resource. Australian oil mallee trees produce a large lignotuber (mallee root) that sustains the tree through the harsh seasonal cycles of their native habitat. Most of the early plantings have grown to be mature trees which are now in competition with adjoining and surrounding farmland. Kochii have developed unique and specialised techniques to harvest these mature trees without damaging the lignotuber, which readily coppices (regrows), even in the middle of the harsh Australian summer.

Most trees regrow to harvestable size in 2 to 3 years although this is managed to allow the tree longer periods of uninterrupted growth and vigour from time to time.

Currently, we use post distillation biomass to fire our solid fuel boiler. We are in the process of installing a continuous pyrolysis oven to burn our spent biomass to produce biochar and smoke water (wood vinegar or pyroligneous acid) both of which contribute to soil remediation and soil health regeneration. Next steps include development of biomass to energy plants so that our oil mallees may power the towns in which we operate in a sustainable carbon negative eco cycle.