FAQs
Product Information
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What is activated carbon?
Activated carbon, also called activated charcoal or active carbon, is a versatile and porous material used as an adsorbent. It is processed to have a large surface area, making it highly effective for purifying, deodorizing, and decolorizing liquids and gases. It is commonly derived from sources like coconut shells, coal, or wood.
What is an adsorbent?
An adsorbent is a material with a very high surface area that enables different substances to physically or chemically adhere to it. Activated carbon is especially attracted to organic molecules and some heavy metals, making it an excellent material for cleaning up contamination.
What is your activated carbon made from?
Bygen has developed a low-energy process to produce high-quality activated carbon from renewable, sustainable biomass feedstocks rather than using non-renewable sources like coal. This biomass includes a variety of agricultural and forestry wastes, such as nut shells and wood.
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What are the advantages of our product?
The key advantages of Bygen's approach are that the organization:
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Utilizes waste materials that would otherwise be burned or discarded.
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Reduces the energy required for activated carbon production compared to traditional methods.
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Reduces the water consumption typically needed to "activate" carbon char.
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Allows the activated carbon properties to be tailored for specific customer needs.
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Has a dramatically reduced CO2 footprint due to not needing external fuel firing in the production process.
Overall, Bygen's technology aims to provide a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional activated carbon production processes.
What types of activated carbon do you offer?
We offer a diverse range of activated carbon products in various sizes, bag sizes, and pore structures. These include powdered (PAC) and granulated (GAC) forms that are produced in our facilities. The correct product and mesh size depend on the specific application and are often tailored to customer requirements.
What range of surface areas do you offer?
All Bygen products have a minimum average surface area of 950m²/g because we primarily focus on the water, wastewater, and PFAS contaminant removal markets. However, we can offer higher surface area products and increased methylene blue and methylene red adsorption capacities for specific customer needs.
What quality tests does Bygen perform for products?
Traditionally, clients are mainly focused on raw material, density, surface area (iodine test), ash content, mesh size, and potentially (rarely) methylene blue tests for PFAS adsorbance. We can do all of this in-house. In addition, we test our PFAS remediation products for specific net removal efficiencies for both short—and long-chain PFAS molecules. If you have other requirements for your application, please inquire, and we will determine how to help you deliver the right specifications for your application.
Do you keep inventory (and where)?
Bygen keeps bulk volumes of inventory at each production site, as well as at our warehouse facilities in Thomastown, VIC. We aim to maintain a minimum quantity of 200 tonnes at any time to support major clients and their project timelines.
What size bags does your activated carbon come in?
Bygen generally deploys stock in 20kg or 500kg bags. We can supply special orders in bespoke package sizes. For more information, please contact info@bygen.com.au
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Use & application
What are the common applications of your activated carbon products?
Our activated carbon products are used for a broad range of purposes across municipal, industrial, and residential applications. In particular, the food and beverage industry uses high volumes of activated carbon due to its high surface area and corresponding adsorptive properties.
These include water purification, air purification, odor control, removal of volatile organic compounds (VOC), recovery of precious metals, and remediation of PFAS.
It is even used in cosmetics and medicine for the same adsorptive properties.
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How do Bygen's products function?
In water treatment, activated carbon removes organic contaminants, odors, taste, and certain chemicals like PFAS or chlorine. Activated carbon does not reduce most salts (TDS/conductivity); for example, it is not effective against calcium, sulfates, or nitrates.
In the food and beverage sector, activated carbon is employed for decolorization, purification, and deodorization of various products, including alcoholic beverages, sweeteners, and edible oils, as well as for treating non-emulsified oils and heavy metals.
Air purifiers with activated carbon can effectively remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, smoke, and other pollutants, contributing to improved indoor air quality.
We also provide activated carbon for specific uses such as trace chemical/herbicide removal, food-grade products, cosmetology, automotive applications, industrial gas purification, and petroleum.

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Services
Apart from supplying AC, what other services does Bygen offer?
As a trusted partner with a comprehensive commitment to the AC industry, Bygen offers a range of services beyond supply, including:
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Biomass assessment (for AC production): we can assess the availability, quality, and sustainability of biomass resources for creating a sustainable activated carbon plant.
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Activated carbon milling & re-bagging: Bygen has the in-house capability to mill activated carbon to specific particle sizes and provide re-bagging services. This ensures that the activated carbon meets the desired specifications for clients in all use cases.
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Activated carbon plant design and supply: Bygen specializes in the design and supply of activated carbon plants. We work closely with land owners and/or biomass waste producers to adapt our design and establish rollout plans from inception through to execution.
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Environmental Impact
What is the environmental impact of activated carbon production & use?
As a potent adsorbent, AC is used to remove pollutants, which helps to improve the state of our environment, drinking water, and food. However, historically, the production and use of AC have had significant negative environmental implications. When AC's adsorption sites become saturated, adsorbed substances may remain/return, potentially leading to chemical recontamination, microbial growth, and regulatory breaches.
Traditional AC production, often from coal, wood, or coconut shells, poses environmental challenges, this includes:
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Emissions: associated fossil fuel use to create heat or power contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
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Resource Consumption: production often relies on non-renewable resources, such as coal (50% of total production), which involves harmful extraction processes and high transport emissions.
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Waste Generation: Improperly managed waste from production (e.g., mine runoff and gas emissions) can pollute or contaminate local waterways.
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Water and Soil Contamination: Improperly disposed AC (after use) can cause pollutants to return to soil and water bodies.
What is the social impact of activated carbon production?
Social issues include:
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Health Impacts: Production emissions can degrade air quality and health.
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Occupational Hazards: Workers may face exposure to hazardous substances.
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Community Displacement: Raw material extraction can displace communities and destroy habitats.
The energy required for AC production, often from natural gas, and the specific environmental impact can vary based on the feedstock and production process.
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How is Bygen’s social and environmental impact fundamentally different?
Bygen produces activated carbon from sustainable biomass sources, such as agricultural residues and other organic waste. This significantly reduces the environmental footprint by avoiding gas and coal-fired power as the fuel source for the activation stage. Furthermore, Bygen aims to provide social benefits by utilizing waste materials and reducing reliance on non-renewable resources.
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Ordering & Shipping
How can I order Bygen activated carbon products?
Contact our sales team (info@bygen.com.au), who can provide individual guidance and technical support on which products will best suit your use case.
How are your activated carbon products shipped?
Bygen typically ships in bags or cartons. The specific shipping and storage requirements can vary depending on the type of activated carbon and the regulations of the destination country.
Do you offer worldwide shipping?
Yes, we can ship globally, Please contact info@bygen.com.au for specific advice on rates and delivery times.
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Partnership
How do I become a production partner for Bygen?
Bygen is keen to engage with values-aligned production partners in Australia and internationally. Please contact us at info@bygen.com.au for more information on how to collaborate or have some of your biomass tested for suitability.
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