THE PHILOSOPHY

At Sort of Coal, our core desire is to birth a new understanding of the power and beauty of Asian Charcoal. We want to reinvent the Western perception of purity, where it does not attack our senses as with perfume and chemicals, but rather, awakens them.

Carbon is the basic element of life. All life is dependant upon the carbon cycle of the planet. That is the reason why White Charcoal, that contains more then 90 % carbon, is an essential element of our existence. We hope that its presence will remind us that our senses are the best navigation tool we have towards living a more positive, sustainable lifestyle.

Designing a product for the Western marketplace with a foundation in ancient Asian tradition and philosophy has been a learning process. The footprints we have left along the way have become products we are proud of and that we believe serve a unique purpose. It is our intention to only introduce products that have this same truth and purpose.

We view White Charcoal with the same respect as the Japanese and Korean cultures, knowing that it has both infinite power and beauty. As we recognized that Charcoal was also used in our own culture for its absorbent and even medicinal properties, it inspired us to reintroduce Charcoal into our society as a purifying element, appealing to our senses both internally and externally, while serving as a gentle reminder to embrace what is natural and follow our innate human instincts.

Louise Vilsgaard and Pernille Lembcke

THE HISTORY OF PURITY

Since the 8th century Japanese charcoal makers have produced high quality charcoal. During Edo-period (1603-1867) the refined Japanese quality Binchotan charcoal, commonly known as “White Charcoal”, has gained popularity throughout Asia.

Since ancient times, it has been known that this pure and beautiful charcoal was ideal for heating tea water for tea ceremonies, while at the same time lending a positive impact on its surroundings as a natural, active element for absorbing humidity and odor.

Modern Asian research has also found that Binchotan can improve the quality and taste of water and when Binchotan is cooked together with rice, the taste and texture is improved. Binchotan is also used in Japanese bathes as it has an alkaline effect, softening the water.

In Europe, the benefits of active charcoal have also been recognized for 100 years, from decreasing humidity in house construction to keeping animals stomachs healthy to purifying alcohol during distillation.

In Japan and Korea, the finest quality Charcoal is still produced by traditional means. However, modern research has made it an essential part of every day life.

Sort of Coal’s core desire is to birth a new understanding of purity. In our opinion purity is not to add a better smell but to remove impurities so that we do not simply mask senses but rather reveal the truth to them. We develop and select only the finest quality charcoal to purify our cycles, bettering both our environment and our bodies.

THE PROCESS OF PERFECTION

Charcoal kilns are formed from clay and built by hand. Depending on the season and weather conditions, it takes approximately seven days to transform wood into white charcoal. White Charcoal has higher percentage of carbon (over 90 %) and a harder glass-like structure.

Unlike the commonly known Black Charcoal, White Charcoal leaves no residue and dust-free once it has been washed. To perfect every production requires dedicated attention. Charcoal producers primarily come from a long legacy in production, where knowledge and expertise are passed on from generation to generation.

Their senses serve as their primary tool: they smell the temperature of the fire and check the oxygen by assessing the color of the flames. Kiln temperatures reach up to 1200 degrees. On the seventh day, glowing charcoal is taken directly out of the kiln and covered with wet ash and sand. After, the fiery heat of the kiln is recycled and used as a spa. Our producer in Korea invites people to sit inside the kilns and enjoy them as a sauna, proving the healthful benefits go far beyond the product itself. 

THE RICHNESS OF A RESOURCE

Sort of Coal is derived from the mountain forests of Japan and Korea. Here, we harvest the best quality wooden stems and tree branches without harming the tree’s root structure so they can grow again and again. The new stems absorb higher levels of CO2 than their predecessors, giving even greater benefit to the surrounding environment.

The charcoal itself is produced through a rich burning process where the wood is exposed to extremely high temperatures with restricted oxygen. Most of the organic materials are eliminated and transformed into pure carbon (more than 90 percent) with a structure of countless pores.

It is this unique surface that gives White Charcoal its amazing purifying quality. The structure and pore size vary with each type of wood, which in turn make its purifying qualities beneficial for different uses. These uses range from purifying air and water, to absorbing humidity and odor, to cleansing the skin and inner organs.

CHI

The essence of “Chi” is a central part of Asian science and philosophy.  Korean and Japanese doctors find that the Chi exerted from White Charcoal has a positive effect on our body both physically and mentally. Therefore, many Asian spas implement Charcoal as an active element.

The Japanese also use White Charcoal to adsorb electro-magnetic waves and protect people from their harmful energy. Many Asian people keep charcoal in their office or wear charcoal textiles to protect them from waves exerted by their mobile phones, computers, and other industrial appliances.

“Chi” is not a part of the Western paradigm of science. Therefore you can only find scientific proof of the general effect of industrial produced Active Charcoal. Sort of Coal believes it is important to sense and acknowledge the power of Charcoal based on one’s own experience. Most people who have tasted Binchotan water sense that the water gets softer and with better taste, and Western science does recognize that Active Charcoal has a purifying affect in this regard. It serves as proof that all types of Charcoal have a positive, purifying effect. It’s not a question, it’s a fact.

Our senses are our most important navigation tool. The truer we are to them, the better we can navigate to find pure products that charge us with positive energy, whether our decision to embrace them is founded ancient Asian philosophy, Western science, or our individual experience.

THE FINEST FORM

White charcoal is the purest form of wooden charcoal. The original White Charcoal from Japan is called Binchotan. “Tan” means Charcoal and ”Bincho” is the name of the man who made Charcoal around the Edo period in Japan. Binchotan is derived from very hard Japanese Holm Oak.

When the Binchotan is taken out of the kiln and covered with wet ash and sand, it leaves the surface white, thus giving it its name. To produce White Charcoal, wood is exposed to a rapid rise in temperature, followed by a rapid cooling that incinerates the bark and leaves a smooth, hard surface. If you strike it, you will hear a clear, metallic sound. Because of the hardness, Binchotan does not leave coal dust, making it ideal for water purification.

A second type of White Charcoal, produced in the same manner is called Hakutan, or literally “White-Charcoal” in Japanese. The pore size of Hakutan varies depending on what type of Charcoal it is, altering how it absorbs molecules and impurities. For air purification we have selected a Korean Oak.

At Sort of Coal, we select only the best White Charcoal in the world because we believe it offers the greatest benefits.

THE NATURAL SELECTION

Charcoal purifies and refreshes the air in a natural way, without added chemicals or perfumes. It purifies water, reduces the scent of odors such as tobacco and gasses, diminishes pollution, and refreshes the air in electrically charged environments.

Sort of Coal selects White Charcoal that is as powerful as it is beautiful. It can be used as a decorative interior element or architectural feature to create a healthier indoor environment that positively impacts our senses and our well-being. 

Carbon is the basic element of life, and now it can be an active element in our homes and places of work. Sort of Coal offers design consultation to advise clients as to how to implement charcoal into their daily lives.

We design charcoal environments for both homes and workplaces to recharge, renew and rejuvenate the energy of a space. The amount of charcoal needed to balance a room depends on its size, contents and particular purpose.

Some environments require an increased amount depending on the level of humidity, the amount of pollution and how much electrical equipment is present. Sort of Coal will help you find the proper amount of white charcoal presence in your environment so that you can reap its complete benefits.

BINCHOTAN
Branch for purifying water

HAKUTAN
Stem for purifying air

HAKUTAN SCULPTURE
Specially selected trunk for purifying air

HAKUTAN GRAIN
Bag for humidity and odors

KURO KABE
Purifying panels and tiles 

KURO & SHIRO SOAP
For deep cleansing of the skin

SHINJU BINCHOTAN
Precious purifying jewelry

To learn how to use each product, please read the instructions under the product name.

BINCHOTAN

Binchotan is a symbol of pure water. It absorbs unwanted particles like impurities and odors from the water while releasing natural minerals into it. Binchotan has an alkaline effect, softening the water and improving the overall taste.

How to Prepare Binchotan for Purifying Water: Rinse your Binchotan branch in cold running water to remove any excess ash. Place it in a pot of cold water and boil for five minutes. Remove and place your Binchotan on a towel until it is dry and cool. Now it is ready for use. Place your Binchotan branch into a glass jug and fill it with cold water (approximately 50- 60 g per liter). Leave it in the refrigerator over night. The next day you will have pure and soft mineral water.

Each Binchotan branch lasts for 3 months. To reactivate Binchotan you can boil it once a month and let it dry out. The surface of Binchotan will become grey when it is dry letting you know that it needs to be replaced.

All Binchotan are naturally different both in terms of shape and pores. Larger pores can often create pressure, forcing the branch to break. To avoid breaking, do not expose Binchotan to rapid changes in temperature. If your branch breaks, it will still serve its purpose and will not be refunded. Binchotan should be recycled. Active charcoal has no negative environmental effect. When its time to get a new Binchotan, smash it and mix it with the soil in your garden so your plants can benefit from it.

HAKUTAN
STEM FOR PURIFYING AIR

“Haku” means white in Japanese and “tan” means charcoal, or literally translated White Charcoal. The pore size of Hakutan varies depending on what type of wood it is, altering how it absorbs molecules and impurities. Hakutan absorbs gasses, pollution and odors from the air. These stems can be placed in your bathroom to regulate humidity or in the kitchen to absorb cooking steam and smells.

When placing a Hakutan in IT-heavy spaces, many people have experienced that it refreshes the air, creating a better indoor environment. Asian people use charcoal because the “Chi” that exerts from the charcoal has a positive effect on mental well-being.

Make sure that you keep your Hakutan free from dust so it does not close the access to the pores then it will purify your indoor environment for years. Hakutan can be recharged by placing in the sun for a couple of hours.

HAKUTAN SCULPTURE

Specially selected white charcoal trunks

Charcoal for air purification is made from Korean Oak. We carefully select the most beautiful Hakutan Sculptures that you can place anywhere you want pure, balanced air.

Place a Hakutan Sculpture in our home, restaurant, shop or office to refresh the air and experience the “chi” energy exerting a positive effect on both your environment and your well-being. 

Be sure to keep your Hakutan Sculpture free from dust and it will purify your indoor environment for years. Hakutan can be recharged by placing it in the sun for a couple of hours.

HAKUTAN GRAIN BAG FOR HUMIDITY AND ODOURS

These bags are filled with Hakutan granulate. The increased surface area of the grain creates a highly absorbent surface. Ideal for shoes, bathrooms, suitcases and drawers, it works as a natural deodorizer removing unpleasant smells and excess humidity.

Charcoal should be recycled. Active charcoal has no negative environmental effect even when you dispose of it. When its time to get new Hakutan grain, mix the old grain with the soil in your garden so your plants can reap the benefits.

KURO KABE
PURIFYING PANELS AND TILES

Kuro Kabe means “Black Wall”. This Black Wall of White Charcoal allows you to purify and beautify any space. Perfect for restaurants, spa interiors, work environments and private homes. The panels and tiles are available in different charcoal patterns and sizes.

Sort of Coal offers personalized consultation to help you assess how much Charcoal is needed to best benefit your space.

KURO & SHIRO SOAP
FOR DEEP CLEANSING OF THE SKIN

KURO means black and SHIRO means white in Japanese. 
The purifying qualities of Charcoal are also beneficial for your skin. Delicate and balanced, it can be used on even the most sensitive skin to bring out its true beauty.

For Kuro Soap we ad Charcoal powder to adsorb impurities from the skin to leave it clean and smooth. 
ingredients: Korea pine charcoal powder, Organic Black sugar, 100% pure pine essential oil. Patchouli essential oil from certified aromatherapy. Glycerin, jojoba, Vitamin E alpha.

For Shiro Soap we have added Charcoal vinegar that has an antiseptic and balancing effect on the skin.
ingredients: Korean Bamboo vinegar, Argan oil, Jojoba, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Organic sweet orange essential oil, cypress essential oil.

CHARCOAL VINEGAR

Charcoal vinegar is a bi-product of the charcoal production. When the chimney of the charcoal kiln cools down, condensation occurs and the smoke inside the kiln turns into a brown liquid. This liquid is called charcoal vinegar.

Charcoal vinegar contains 400 kinds of natural chemical elements and can be used for multiple purposes including cosmetics, insecticides, deodorants, food processing, and agriculture. After distillation it becomes a clear liquid that has nutritious and disinfecting qualities.

This vinegar is essential for Asian understanding of purity and is used for many purposes: as a disinfectant, acne treatment, hair treatment, and household cleanser.

SHINJU BINCHOTAN
PRECIOUS PURIFYING JEWELRY

Bracelets, necklaces, and mobile jewelry
“Shinju” means bead in Japanese. The beads are made of the finest, hardest Binchotan. The surface has a smooth finish and a precious shine. Up close, you can see the fine lines of the wood and small purifying pores.

We have designed simple styles so that the natural universe of each bead lends the greatest benefit. The Chi exerted from White Charcoal has a positive effect, balancing both our bodies and minds. Wearing it close to the body protects us from the harmful electro-magnetic waves of our mobile phones, computers and other appliances in our modern society.

LINKS

Read the article about Sort of Coal at TreeHugger.
TreeHugger is the leading media outlet dedicated to driving sustainability mainstream.
www.treehugger.com

Read more about White Charcoal/BINCHOTAN:
www.wikipedia.org

SORT OF COAL

Vestergade 12 A 3 sal.
1456 Copenhagen K
Denmark
coal[at]sortofcoal.com

Louise Vilsgaard +45 28941544
Pernille Werner Lembcke +45 20700464