AIC Group, a global specialist in thermal treatment and waste-to-energy technology, is expanding into the Australasian market through a new distribution partnership with local equipment and systems integrator SKALA Environmental. The collaboration will introduce AIC’s suite of thermal treatment and Waste-To-Energy technologies to Australia, with the first mobile EcoChar biochar units to arrive in early 2026.
AIC Group has become a specialist in advanced processing systems across agricultural, general, medical and hazardous waste streams, driven by innovation and global growth. Its expansion into Australia marks an important step for both the company and the region’s circular-economy ambitions.
Craig Cosgrove, director at SKALA Environmental, said the partnership reflects a shared desire to tackle one of the industry’s most persistent issues –managing organics residual material after composting.
“FOGO and other organic waste streams continue to grow, and the market is demanding alternatives to traditional mulch and compost outlets,” Cosgrove said. “We’ve spent months examining AIC’s technology firsthand; visiting their production facilities and reviewing operations in North America where operators face similar challenges to our customers in Australia. This partnership enables us to deliver innovative systems that create new revenue opportunities while supporting broader sustainability goals.”
Cosgrove noted that although Australia’s biochar industry is still in its early stages, the technology is poised for rapid growth as markets mature and organics infrastructure expands.
AIC Group’s technical sales director, Conor Donnelly, said the company has long seen Australia as a strategic opportunity.
“We’re extremely pleased to partner with the team at SKALA, a family-owned business that closely aligns with our values and has deep experience and success in the organics sector,” Donnelly said. “We’re excited to bring our range of technology into the Australian market and support SKALA as demand for advanced environmentally friendly processing and carbon-focused solutions increases.”
AIC technologies available through SKALA Environmental
Through the new partnership, SKALA will now supply AIC’s full range of thermal and waste-to-energy systems, including:
- Mobile biochar production systems.
- Waste-to-energy processing equipment.
- Medical and hazardous waste treatment systems.
- Thermal treatment and pyrolysis systems.
- Biomass energy boilers.
- Pollution control and emissions systems.
- Thermal oxidisers.
- Heat exchangers.
A new solution for organics overburden
Among the technologies SKALA expects to gain market traction is the AIC Mobile EcoChar Phoenix 8000, designed specifically for managing organic and timber overburden from composting and wood-processing facilities.
The Phoenix 8000 delivers volume reductions of up to 90 per cent with no required pre-processing, converting wood waste into high-value biochar suitable for agriculture, compost blends, and carbon markets. With a 28 m³ chamber and throughput rates of 8-12 tph, the system sets a high standard for mobile biochar production.
Features of the machine include:
- Onsite volume reduction.
- High-capacity continuous processing.
- No pre-processing required.
- Eliminates transport and disposal costs.
- Remote-control drive and deployment.
- Track-mounted mobility.
- Live-stream video for safe and visible loading.
- Diesel–electric hybrid efficiency.
- Carbon sequestration benefits.
- Low operating cost and operator-friendly design.
Australia’s first Phoenix 8000 unit is scheduled for commissioning in early 2026, producing high-quality biochar for agricultural applications.
Growing market demand for biochar
Donnelly says the global shift toward decarbonisation is accelerating interest in biochar.
“Biochar isn’t just a by-product – it’s a smart business opportunity,” he said. “Companies are increasingly focused on reducing their carbon footprint, and our technology is ideally positioned to support carbon-reduction targets.”
Cosgrove agrees, noting the expanding commercial upside.
“Biochar enhances soil health, boosts yields, and improves water retention, making it a premium input for agriculture and horticulture. Its carbon-rich structure enables long-term carbon sequestration, supporting climate-change mitigation and unlocking new revenue through carbon credits,” he said. “The result is a high-value product for composting, horticulture, and agricultural industries.”