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Since 2003, Chamarel has worked on making zero-waste altenatives, often sold loose.
A simple, natural and zero waste habit to help you drink more tap water every day.
Binchotan charcoal is one of the simplest ways to make tap water more enjoyable to drink. Natural, reusable and easy to use, it fits perfectly into a zero waste lifestyle by helping reduce the need for plastic water bottles.
Placed in a glass carafe, bottle or reusable water bottle, Binchotan activated charcoal acts as a natural water filter. It does not make unsafe water drinkable, but it can be used with water that is already safe to drink to help reduce unpleasant tastes and odours, especially those linked to chlorine.
At Chamarrel, we have chosen to offer authentic Japanese Binchotan charcoal, sourced from a controlled artisanal supply chain, with particular attention paid to origin, quality and everyday use.
Binchotan is a traditional Japanese activated charcoal. It is made from Japanese oak wood, particularly Ubamegashi oak, a very dense wood historically used to produce high-quality Binchotan charcoal.
Its key feature is its extremely microporous structure. This porosity allows it to act through adsorption: certain molecules present in the water attach to the surface of the charcoal. This is why Binchotan can help improve the taste of tap water and reduce some unwanted odours.
It is important to remember two essential points:
Its purpose is to make everyday tap water more pleasant to drink, not to replace certified water treatment where water safety is a concern.
The main reason to use Binchotan charcoal is simple: it helps improve the taste of tap water. Many people would like to drink more tap water, but are put off by its taste, smell or by the impression that the water tastes too strongly treated.
Binchotan makes it easy to adopt a more sustainable drinking water habit:
This small habit can make a real difference. When tap water becomes more enjoyable, it becomes much easier to reduce bottled water purchases and avoid unnecessary plastic waste.
Binchotan works through a process called adsorption. Unlike absorption, where one substance penetrates another, adsorption means that certain molecules attach to the surface of a material.
Thanks to its microporous structure, activated charcoal provides a large contact surface. When placed in drinking water, it can help capture certain molecules, reduce unpleasant odours and improve the overall taste of the water.
Before using Binchotan charcoal for the first time, it must be properly prepared.
Rinse the Binchotan stick or piece under cold water. Gently brush it with a clean brush, a vegetable brush or a natural loofah sponge to remove any surface dust.
Place the charcoal in boiling water for around 10 to 15 minutes. This step helps clean and activate it before using it in drinking water.
Carefully remove the Binchotan from the boiling water and leave it to dry naturally on a clean surface.
Once dry, place the charcoal in a glass carafe, bottle or reusable water bottle, ideally made from glass or stainless steel. Fill with drinkable tap water.
For best results, leave the Binchotan in the water for around 8 hours, or overnight. Your water is then ready to drink.
The right amount of Binchotan depends on the taste of your tap water, the quality of the water and the size or shape of the charcoal.
For everyday use in a one-litre carafe, a small Binchotan stick may be enough if your tap water already tastes fairly neutral. If the water has a stronger taste, you may prefer a larger stick or adjust the quantity.
For loose, non-calibrated Binchotan charcoal pieces, you can use weight as a guide:
As a general precaution, do not exceed 50 g of activated charcoal per litre of water.
Binchotan needs several hours in the water to work properly. The ideal time is around 8 hours, which makes overnight use very practical.
However, Binchotan should not be left in the same water for more than 48 hours. To maintain good hygiene, renew the water regularly and always handle the charcoal with clean hands.
Binchotan should be reactivated regularly. If you use it continuously, gently brush it, boil it again for around 10 minutes, then leave it to dry naturally. This can be done at least once a month.
Depending on how often it is used, a piece of Binchotan charcoal can remain effective for around 4 months under average continuous use. After that, it can still have a second life around the home.
Once it is no longer used for drinking water, Binchotan does not need to be thrown away immediately. It can be:
At Chamarrel, Binchotan charcoal may be offered as calibrated sticks or as loose non-calibrated pieces sold in bulk.
Calibrated sticks are selected according to diameter and weight so they suit specific uses: carafes, reusable bottles, glass bottles or containers with narrower openings.
Non-calibrated Binchotan refers to pieces that do not meet the exact shape or size criteria required for calibrated sticks. This does not mean they are lower quality. They come from the same material, the same know-how and the same production process.
The word “Binchotan” is sometimes used very broadly, but not all charcoal is equal. To benefit from a reliable product, it is important to choose authentic Binchotan with a controlled origin and recognised craftsmanship.
Chamarrel Binchotan charcoal comes directly from Japan, from Wakayama Prefecture, the historic birthplace of Binchotan. It is made using a traditional method, in an artisanal kiln, from branches of Japanese oak.
The yellow label is often misunderstood. In the case of Chamarrel Binchotan, export authorisations are provided by Wakayama Prefecture and are represented by a yellow label sealing each shipment.
This label confirms the origin and reliability of the Binchotan shipment and indicates that the goods are not considered dangerous. It is placed on the shipping carton, not on each individual piece of charcoal.
For this reason, it cannot be supplied to every customer. Chamarrel has also chosen not to freely share images of this label, as this could encourage misuse on lower-quality products.
To reassure customers, Chamarrel can provide a certificate of authenticity. This document is issued by the company and confirms the origin of the Binchotan offered for sale.
As part of a transparent approach, Chamarrel clearly distinguishes between each document: the yellow label relates to the export shipment from Japan, while the certificate of authenticity guarantees the traceability of the product sold.
Yes. Binchotan charcoal and ceramic beads for tap water can be used together in a carafe, glass bottle or reusable bottle filled with water that is already safe to drink.
Binchotan mainly works on taste and certain odours through adsorption. EM ceramic beads are often used to support everyday tap water routines. For continuous use, Chamarrel recommends around 15 ceramic beads per litre.
Binchotan is not a gimmick. It is a simple, durable and practical solution for anyone who wants to drink more tap water and buy fewer plastic water bottles.
By improving the taste of tap water, it makes it easier to replace bottled water with naturally filtered tap water in a carafe.
To place this habit within a broader approach to reducing household waste, read our full guide to a zero waste lifestyle at home.
Binchotan charcoal is a simple way to improve the taste of tap water, reduce unpleasant odours and avoid buying plastic water bottles.
At Chamarrel, our choice of Binchotan is based on several commitments:
Using Binchotan means choosing a simple, natural and long-lasting everyday habit. It helps make tap water more pleasant to drink while supporting a more responsible way of consuming.
To complete this routine, discover our zero waste home and kitchen accessories.
No. Binchotan charcoal does not make unsafe water potable. It must only be used with water that is already safe to drink. Its role is to improve tap water taste and reduce certain odours, especially those linked to chlorine, but it does not replace a water purification system.
Before first use, rinse the Binchotan charcoal under cold water, gently brush it with a clean brush, then boil it for around 10 to 15 minutes. Leave it to air dry before placing it in a carafe, glass bottle or reusable bottle filled with drinkable tap water.
For best results, leave Binchotan charcoal in the water for around 8 hours, for example overnight. However, do not leave it in the same water for more than 48 hours. For good hygiene, renew the water regularly and handle the charcoal with clean hands.
The right amount depends on the charcoal format, your tap water taste and your own sensitivity. For non-calibrated Binchotan, you can use around 20 g per litre for good-quality tap water, 30 g per litre for average-tasting water and up to 40 g per litre for water with a stronger taste. Do not exceed 50 g of activated charcoal per litre of water.
With average continuous use, Binchotan charcoal can be used for around 4 months for water. Its lifespan depends on how often it is used, water quality and maintenance. Once it is no longer used for water, it can still be used as an odour absorber or crushed and added to soil.
To reactivate Binchotan charcoal, gently brush it, boil it for around 10 minutes, then leave it to dry naturally on a clean surface. This can be done at least once a month when used continuously.
Calibrated Binchotan is selected according to diameter, weight and shape to suit specific uses such as carafes, reusable bottles or bottles with narrow openings. Non-calibrated Binchotan comes in more irregular shapes, but it comes from the same material, know-how and production process. The difference is in sizing, not intrinsic charcoal quality.
Authentic Japanese Binchotan is based on traditional know-how and controlled origin. Chamarrel Binchotan comes from Wakayama Prefecture in Japan, the historic birthplace of this activated charcoal. Choosing authentic Binchotan helps ensure a reliable product, made using recognised artisanal methods and suitable for use with drinkable water.
The yellow label refers to export authorisations provided by Wakayama Prefecture. It seals each shipment and confirms the origin, reliability and non-dangerous nature of the goods. It is placed on the shipping carton, not on each piece of charcoal. Chamarrel therefore favours a certificate of authenticity to guarantee traceability for the product sold.
Yes. Binchotan charcoal and ceramic beads can be used together in a carafe, glass bottle or reusable bottle filled with water that is already safe to drink. Binchotan mainly works through adsorption on certain odours and tastes, while EM ceramic beads support an everyday tap water routine.
Yes. By making tap water more pleasant to drink, Binchotan makes it easier to switch from bottled water to tap water. This helps reduce plastic bottles, the transport of heavy water packs, home storage and related waste. It fits perfectly into a zero waste lifestyle at home.
Binchotan encourages the use of tap water, which can help reduce bottled water purchases. Reducing single-use plastic packaging is an important way to limit plastic waste and the fragmentation of plastic in the environment.
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Binchotan Charcoal: How to Use This Natural Filter to Improve the Taste of Tap Water
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