How Cula Technologies tracks biochar in big bags with barcode scanning

Established in 2023, Cula Technologies is a pioneering force in the biochar carbon removal industry, working with over 20 biochar producers worldwide. As a digital MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) platform provider, Cula helps biochar producers quantify, verify, and monetize their carbon removal activities. With operations across four continents, Cula is recognized as a leader in bringing transparency and scientific rigor to the growing biochar carbon removal market.

A digital MRV platform for biochar carbon removal

Cula Technologies is committed to accelerating climate action by providing the digital infrastructure needed to scale biochar carbon removal projects, ensuring that every ton of carbon sequestered is accurately measured, permanently stored, and properly credited.

Its digital MRV platform is designed specifically for biochar carbon removal projects. The platform creates and manages digital twins of physical biochar products throughout their lifecycle, from production to application and long-term carbon sequestration monitoring.

Why scanning labels on biochar big bags is challenging

Biochar is typically filled into big bags, large flexible bulk containers (FIBCs), that are labeled with QR codes and barcodes. Since the bags are made of fabric and filled with loose material, their surfaces are usually curved, and the codes on them are rarely flat.

On top of that, field operators scan in the conditions of a production site or the field, with poor lighting and labels that get damaged along the way. Before Cula’s scanning feature, their customers’ teams spent hours entering data manually and struggled with tracking errors.

Tracking biochar batches with STRICH

The barcode scanning feature, powered by the STRICH Barcode Scanning SDK, enables field operators to seamlessly track biochar batches by scanning the codes on the big bags with their mobile devices. STRICH reads the QR codes and barcodes reliably, even on curved surfaces.

This allows for frictionless data collection at critical points in the biochar lifecycle, including production output measurement, quality testing, transportation logistics, and final application. The scanning system connects physical biochar products with their digital representations in real-time, ensuring data integrity and creating an unbroken chain of custody that is essential for carbon credit verification.