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Here Are 6 Fascinating Facts About Briquettes You Need to Know!!

IT DMK Cargo
Oct 9
2 min read

Briquettes are now being talked about more and more as an eco-friendly alternative fuel. But how much do you actually know about this little “black block”? Although often underestimated, briquettes hold plenty of surprising facts that many people don’t realize. Let’s go through them one by one!

1. Briquettes Have Been Around for a Long Time

Briquettes aren’t something new. In South Korea, people have long used yeontan, a coal briquette shaped like a cylinder with small holes in the middle. One briquette can burn for an entire day, used for both cooking and heating homes. Even today, this practice remains popular because it’s affordable and has become a symbol of family warmth.

2. Not Just from Charcoal, But Also from Waste

If you think briquettes can only be made from coal or wood charcoal, you’re mistaken. Today, researchers and entrepreneurs create briquettes from all kinds of unexpected materials like rice husks, sawdust, and even empty palm fruit bunches. The process, called torrefaction, involves heating raw materials before burning to enhance their energy value. This way, what used to be waste turns into efficient, clean energy.

3. From Swamps to Energy

Here’s something unique. In Ireland, there’s a type of briquette made from peat, a form of wet soil that’s dried and compacted. Back after World War II, these peat briquettes became a vital fuel source when coal was scarce. Even now, some communities still use them, valuing their natural feel and distinct smoky aroma.

4. Eco-Friendly and Low Pollution

For those who care about the planet, briquettes are an excellent alternative. Unlike fossil fuels, biomass briquettes have a much lower carbon footprint, producing fewer greenhouse gases. Some types are even made without any chemical binders, making the leftover ash usable as natural fertilizer.

5. Moisture Is the Main Enemy of Briquettes

Though they look tough, briquettes have one big weakness which is moisture. When exposed to humidity, they can crack, expand, or break apart before being used. That’s why proper storage in a dry, ventilated place is essential. Some producers now use advanced drying techniques to improve briquette durability without chemical treatment.

6. Huge Export Potential

Briquettes aren’t just a local product, they’re in demand globally. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and many in Europe are actively importing briquettes as eco-friendly fuel alternatives. With its rich supply of coconut shells and wood waste, Indonesia has a massive opportunity to become one of the leading briquette exporters in Southeast Asia.

Behind their simple form, briquettes carry a huge promise for clean energy, local economies, and a sustainable future.