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Made Charcoal Briquette Quality International


 

How Is International-Quality Charcoal Briquette Made?

Introduction

Behind every successful charcoal export lies a carefully controlled production process. Especially in the shisha and BBQ industry, buyers demand not just any charcoal — but international-grade charcoal briquettes that are smokeless, odorless, long-burning, and clean. But what does it take to produce such high-quality briquettes?

At CharcoalNewsroom, we’ll guide you through each step of the process — from coconut shell to container — to understand how Indonesia’s charcoal industry meets the strictest global standards.

Step 1: Raw Material Selection

The first and most critical step is selecting premium raw materials, usually coconut shells. The best coconut shells come from Java, Sulawesi, and Sumatra, each offering different characteristics that affect the final briquette.

  • Java: Dense, hard shells for long-lasting burn.

  • Sulawesi: Balanced structure for mixed use.

  • Sumatra: Easier to ignite, ideal for BBQ blends.

Only fully dried, mature shells are used to ensure high carbon content and purity.

Step 2: Carbonization (Making Charcoal)

Coconut shells are burned in low-oxygen kilns to convert them into pure carbon — this is called carbonization. Modern producers use retort kilns or drum kilns that are cleaner and more efficient.

At this stage, quality matters:

  • Charcoal must be fully carbonized (no brownish parts).

  • Moisture content should be below 5%.

  • Ash and sulfur content must be minimized.

Step 3: Crushing and Screening

Once the charcoal is made, it is crushed into fine powder. Uniform particle size is essential to ensure the briquettes are dense and consistent. Large lumps are filtered out, and only fine powder (usually 60–80 mesh) is used.

Step 4: Mixing and Binding

Next, the charcoal powder is mixed with food-grade binders (like tapioca starch) and sometimes water. The ideal formula varies, but quality manufacturers keep binder content between 3–5% to ensure strong, yet clean-burning briquettes.

Optional ingredients may include:

  • White clay (to lower ash)

  • Borax (to improve shine or strength – only for industrial BBQ, not shisha)

Step 5: Briquetting (Shaping)

The mixture is fed into briquetting machines to form specific shapes — usually cube, hexagon, or finger. For shisha, cube 2.5x2.5 cm is the global standard. Consistency in shape and hardness is crucial for export.

Briquettes are then:

  • Pressed under high pressure (no chemicals added)

  • Checked for cracks, density, and moisture

Step 6: Drying

Briquettes are dried using oven dryers or solar dryers. The goal is to reach a moisture level below 5% to avoid mold or breaking during shipment. This step can take 24–72 hours, depending on humidity and drying method.

Step 7: Quality Control and Testing

Before packaging, each batch goes through QC checks, including:

  • Burn test (burn time, ash color)

  • Hardness test (to avoid breakage during shipping)

  • Moisture test

  • Smell/smoke check (must be odorless and smokeless)

For international markets, some buyers request lab tests (TUV, SGS, or Intertek) with certifications showing:

  • Fixed carbon > 80%

  • Ash < 3%

  • Moisture < 5%

Step 8: Packaging and Export Preparation

Once passed, briquettes are packed in:

  • Inner plastic bags for moisture protection

  • Printed carton boxes (1kg, 10kg, etc.)

  • Master export boxes or pallets ready for containers

Shipping documents are prepared including MSDS, COO, Packing List, and Invoice — especially important for DG (Dangerous Goods) declaration in some countries.

Conclusion: From Coconut to Container

Making international-quality charcoal briquettes is more than just burning shells. It requires attention to raw material, precision machinery, strict hygiene, and export compliance. Indonesian manufacturers who follow this process earn trust and long-term partnerships in Europe, the Middle East, USA, and beyond.

At CharcoalNewsroom, we support producers and exporters with knowledge, trends, and global standards to succeed in this competitive industry.

Follow @charcoalnewsroom for tips on charcoal production, buyer requirements, and growing your export business in the charcoal industry.

also read the article: the History of Charcoal Journey, Briquettes Vs Hardwood

#CharcoalBriquettes #CoconutShellCharcoal #CharcoalExport #IndonesiaCharcoal #ShishaCharcoal #BBQCharcoal #CharcoalProduction #CharcoalNewsroom

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