FSC charcoal in Morocco This project intends to set up a production unit for FSC certified charcoal from Eucalyptus trees and has been proposed by Charbon Engineering B.V. (a kilns and kiln building technology provider) together with its Belgium partner Vuurvast N.V. (producer of refractories for kiln lining) and local Moroccan partner 2AC Sarl from Casablanca (a management and accountancy company).The project idea originated from the observation that the demand for charcoal is high in Morocco, while the charcoal industry in Morocco is an inefficient industry, using 12 kg of wood to produce 1 kg of charcoal. Furthermore, the industry is polluting and leads to deforestation. At the moment, charcoal making is largely an informal activity and there are no formal companies involved in the charcoal making in Morocco. Eventually, the Moroccan authorities will prohibit the traditional production methods of charbon making.The partners will set up a formal charcoal business which includes an environmentally friendly production plant in El Jadida, south of Casablanca, for the production of FSC certified charcoal. The joint venture will use a much more efficient carbonization technology (the so called Twin Retort System) whereby only 4 kg of wood is needed to produce 1 kg of charcoal. This technology has so far not been implemented in Morocco.The output will be sold to Moroccan wholesalers and supermarkets. The project will create employment for 22 people. Furthermore, the partners will assist the Eucalyptus plantations to achieve the FSC certification, as this certification is rather new for Morocco.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)CSR is incorporated through the FSC certification, specific attention for reasonable wages (160% above payment for similar local jobs); health and safety through training; labour rights and equal opportunities; and non-tolerance of corruption. The joint venture will be audited by an independent accountant. The joint venture will make sure not to use any child or forced labour and that no child labour risks exist in their supply chain.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsThe project will pay its 22 permanent employees far above the living wage standard for Morocco which is estimated at 125 euro per month.•	Innovation / Transfer of knowledgeAll the employees will be trained in the use of the Twin Retort charcoal technology. This is a new production process in Morocco where charcoal is still produced in an artificial manner. Knowledge about FSC certification is also new to Morocco.•	Chain effectsImpact on local suppliersWood will be sourced locally from different suppliers. 8,000 tons of wood is needed every year to produce 2,000 tons of charcoal. Three wood plantations will be assisted to implement the FSC certification process.Impact on local customers or consumersLocal clients in retail will benefit directly from this project because the charcoal will be FSC certified. FSC certified charcoal can be sold at 20% higher prices than non FSC certified charcoal while its cost price will be the same as that of traditionally made charcoal.The end user households will buy a product which is safer than the traditional one: because of the high temperature at which the charcoal is made in the retort system, no toxic substances remain which will reduce pollution with toxic gasses in the kitchens. Because this charcoal is more efficient in use households potentially save on charcoal expenses.•	Impact on the sectorThe partners will encourage and support everyone who is interested in setting up a similar production plant in Morocco.The partners also intend to work in close collaboration with the technical university of Casablanca to promote the environmentally friendly production of charcoal and to create internships for students.The project will introduce new standards or certifications because currently there is no FSC certified charcoal production in Morocco.•	EnvironmentPositive impact when compared to the traditional making of charcoal:It uses much less wood and because of its efficiency, the retort system is much lower on emissions of e.g. CO2. Because of the high temperature at which the charcoal is made, no toxic substances remain in the charcoal. The project partners will introduce the innovative twin retort system in Morocco and produce  FSC certified charcoal for the local market.