This is CDR: Tropical Scale, Global Impact - NetZero’s Bold Biochar Vision for Brazil.
NetZero is building one of the most ambitious biochar production networks in the world—with active operations in Brazil and West Africa, and plans to scale across the Global South. In this episode, we’ll spotlight their work in Brazil, where a decentralized model for biochar production is transforming agricultural residues into high-quality carbon removals and soil-enhancing amendments.
We’ll speak with members of the NetZero leadership team about their vertically integrated approach—from sourcing biomass and operating production units to selling carbon credits and supporting local communities. We’ll also explore their strategy for scaling in the tropics, how they're adapting their model to new geographies, and why Brazil remains a cornerstone of their climate impact mission.
About our Guests
Pedro Figueiredo is the Co-Founder and CEO of NetZero Brazil and also serves as CTO at the corporate level. With over three decades of experience at the Vallourec Group, he held numerous leadership roles, culminating as Production Director for several plants, including overseeing charcoal production for the metallurgical industry. Pedro holds an engineering degree from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais in Brazil.
Axel Reinaud is the Co-Founder and CEO of NetZero. Before founding NetZero, Axel spent 23 years at Boston Consulting Group, where he held various client and internal leadership roles as Managing Director and Senior Partner. He holds a master’s degree in engineering from École Centrale de Paris and an MBA from INSEAD.
Olivier Reinaud is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of NetZero, where he also serves as Chief Carbon and Sustainability Officer. Before launching NetZero, he spent several years as an advisor to Pro-Natura International, an NGO that pioneered the production and use of biochar in the Global South starting in the mid-2000s. Olivier holds an MSc in Management from EM Lyon Business School and an MA in Public Affairs from the Institut d’Études Politiques de Lyon.