Éléonore Poullet – Founder of Oactiv
“One is not born a diplomat; one is seized by the perspective of interdependencies.” — Baptiste Morizot
Oactiv was born from a conviction: the challenges of water, soil and climate cannot be met without better utilizing the resources already present in our territories.
Throughout Europe, agricultural and forestry residues remain underutilized because their volumes, often dispersed or seasonal, do not correspond well to the logic of large industrial sectors.
We want to demonstrate that another way is possible: to produce activated charcoal and biochar locally from local biomass, in order to contribute to safer water, more resilient soils and more autonomous territories.
By developing solutions tailored to small and medium-sized farms, Oactiv explores a circular model that creates value as close as possible to resources, farmers and citizens.
THE SHORT STORY
Initial research
Analyses of imported activated carbon reveal limitations in traceability and composition. Choosing a local solution is essential.
Transmission & research
Researchers and charcoal makers highlight both the richness of traditional know-how and the challenges of modern and sustainable production.
OCTOBER 2025
The development of a mobile and self-heating furnace is starting with Walloon scientific and industrial partners to produce biochar and activated charcoal locally.
2026
The Quewet sawmill joins the adventure. The R&D program restarts with enhanced skills and an undiminished ambition: to produce local, traceable and sustainable activated carbon.
FEBRUARY 2024
Faced with the PFAS crisis in Wallonia, an idea is emerging: to create natural, local and plastic-free filters to better protect everyday water.
Inspiring encounter
A family-run sawmill in Yonne producing artisanal charcoal shows that another way is possible: local, sustainable and rooted in the local areas.
Summer 2024
An experimental grinding wheel is set up in Lansrode. Observations and analyses pave the way for a more controlled solution: a mobile pyrolysis oven.
End of 2025
The departure of a partner for reasons unrelated to the project results in a temporary suspension of funding. The consortium reorganizes and continues its development.
Today
Oactiv continues to develop local and circular solutions that transform biomass residues into activated carbon and biochar with high environmental value.
Our scientific committee
Oactiv27: An innovative furnace for the production of local activated carbon
Oactiv27 is an applied research project that is developing an innovative oven capable of transforming plant waste into activated carbon.
The partners
Fours H&C, a Walloon specialist in custom thermal processes, is responsible for the design and manufacture of the Oactiv27 furnace prototype.
The IMMC/TFL laboratory at UCLouvain brings its expertise in thermal modelling and pyrolysis process engineering.
Artisanal sawmill specializes in custom sawing, drying and planing of your wood and in the sale of finished oak products.
The Walloon Centre for Agricultural Research is analyzing the adsorption capacities of Oactiv27 activated carbon on various micropollutants, including PFAS and pesticides.
Financial partner of the project via its Win4Company program, dedicated to supporting experimental research in business.