Vertical Farming Podcast

Mattias Karls on CO2 Capture Solutions for Indoor Farming

In a recent episode of the Vertical Farming Podcast, host Harry Duran interviewed Mattias Karls, CEO of Direct Carbon.

Key Takeaways:

  • Direct Carbon, led by CEO Mattias Karls, focuses on CO2 capture for indoor and vertical farms, enabling sustainable production.
  • Their flagship CO2 capture units provide scalable, cost-effective solutions for container farms, in-store farms, and small vertical farms.
  • Direct Carbon’s journey began with innovative ventilation technology, transforming into a direct air capture company tailored for agriculture and indoor air quality.
  • The company’s CO2 capture systems offer an alternative to fossil-fuel-based CO2 sources, promoting greener solutions for indoor agriculture.

From Sweden to the CO2 Capture Industry

In a recent episode of the Vertical Farming Podcast, host Harry Duran interviewed Mattias Karls, CEO of Direct Carbon, an innovative CO2 capture company based in Stockholm, Sweden. Direct Carbon’s technology addresses a unique challenge in the vertical farming industry: maintaining optimal CO2 levels without relying on fossil-fuel-derived CO2. Direct Carbon’s initial product—a compact, five-kilogram-per-day CO2 capture unit—provides an effective solution for smaller farms, in-store farms, and demonstration facilities. Karls shared insights on the company’s mission to help farms achieve sustainable CO2 levels by capturing it directly from the atmosphere.

Direct Carbon’s origins trace back to Sweden’s space industry. Originally a ventilation-focused project inspired by the International Space Station’s CO2 and oxygen management systems, Direct Carbon pivoted to indoor farming. This adaptation has enabled the company to provide its CO2 solutions for greenhouses and vertical farms, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-based CO2 sources.

Scaling Up with Air Handling Innovations

Karls explained Direct Carbon’s streamlined approach to production by leveraging an established air-handling technology: the desiccant wheel invented by Swedish engineer Carl Munters. This innovation allows the company to produce a more efficient CO2 capture system with a reduced cost. According to Karls, the decision to base their design on Munters’ technology allowed them to avoid the complex and costly design processes many companies face.

“Instead of starting from scratch, we built on existing technology,” Karls said. “This allowed us to scale up faster and meet the market’s needs with minimal complexity.” Direct Carbon plans to introduce a larger CO2 capture unit for higher-output facilities, expanding its reach to meet the needs of large-scale vertical farms. This method enables Direct Carbon to provide highly scalable, plug-and-play solutions that integrate seamlessly with indoor farming setups.

Expanding CO2 Solutions for Indoor Farms

Karls noted that Direct Carbon’s products cater specifically to the unique needs of indoor farms, where achieving and maintaining precise CO2 levels can improve plant growth. Unlike traditional CO2 tanks, Direct Carbon’s system captures CO2 from the atmosphere, thereby eliminating dependency on fossil-fuel-derived sources. “Our system helps operators maintain a set ppm level of CO2 with minimal maintenance, allowing farms to achieve optimal growth conditions while supporting sustainability,” explained Mattias Karls.

The CO2 capture units are not only beneficial for farms but also for indoor air quality management in classrooms and conference rooms. With the new design scaling, Karls envisions further adoption in both agriculture and indoor air quality applications, offering a cost-effective solution that avoids reliance on external CO2 providers.

Pioneering a Sustainable Path for Vertical Farming

Karls highlighted the enthusiasm for Direct Carbon’s mission within the indoor farming industry, especially among small- to medium-sized operators looking for sustainable CO2 solutions. Following a successful debut at Greentech Amsterdam, the company plans to exhibit at VertiFarm, where it will demonstrate its CO2 capture unit for vertical farming enthusiasts and stakeholders.

Karls also shared how his personal journey, including overcoming a brain tumor, reinforced his desire to contribute to meaningful projects like Direct Carbon. He explained that the company’s mission to promote sustainable farming aligns with his own values and those of his team. “Many farmers we work with are deeply committed to reducing environmental impact,” he said. “Direct Carbon provides a pathway to do that, supporting both sustainable farming practices and greater self-sufficiency.”

Listen or Watch The Episode Below

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