Background
Vital Chemical delivered a carbon-enriched hydromulch solution to rehabilitate disturbed soils across a Queensland-based renewable energy project. The project delivery team required a dual-action approach to stabilise the surface against erosion whilst delivering efficient and effective revegetation to support the site’s long-term ecological recovery.
Challenge
The site’s native vegetation was cleared during initial earthworks, including the construction of a network of haul access roads, and its staged continuation as the wind turbines and other infrastructure was installed across the broader project landscape.
The combination of soil exposure and steep terrain left the site highly vulnerable to sediment erosion from wind and rain events, while the location’s remote access and challenging topography further complicated the application. Across the lifetime of the project, more than 300,000 square metres of hydromulch was required to stabilise and rehabilitate the site effectively.
Given the site’s prominent location, the revegetation solution needed to deliver rapid, visible results that demonstrated environmental stewardship to the local community and project stakeholders. At the same time, the project delivery team required an application plan that was highly cost-effective, minimised disruption to the ongoing site operations, and ensured the project met its environmental performance objectives.
Solution
Vital Chemical’s revegetation range is scientifically proven to stabilise soils, establish resilient vegetation, and support the long-term development of self-sustaining ecosystems. In nutrient-depleted environments, soil restoratives are incorporated to encourage early germination and ensure sustainable revegetation across a wide variety of diverse climatic environments.
Following a comprehensive site assessment in collaboration with the project delivery team, Vital recommended an application of its VE Char-Matt hydromulch solution. Part of Vital Chemical’s advanced suite of carbon-enriched revegetation products, VE Char-Matt is a premium bonded fibre matrix hydromulch that incorporates a proprietary blend of Vital Biochar. Sustainably manufactured from Australian heat-treated wood fibres, it provides an evenly distributed, hydraulically applied ground cover for nutrient-depleted soils, creating a carbon-rich growth medium that supports long-term soil health.
When applied, VE Char-Matt instantly stabilises exposed soils, with its Vital Biochar component contributing to carbon-boosted erosion control. Research indicates that high-quality biochar can increase soil water-holding capacity by 20–40 percent, particularly valuable in hot, dry climates and on disturbed soils that struggle to retain moisture. Biochar can also improve nutrient retention, enabling soils to hold essential elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and ammonium. This infusion of nutrients encourages an ideal environment for the reestablishment and continuation of a thriving ecosystem. Beyond these immediate benefits, biochar can help to support healthier soil biology, strengthen ecosystem function, improve drought resilience, and accelerate the natural regeneration of disturbed land.
Vital Chemical’s fleet of all-terrain application equipment enables precise and effective application across diverse climatic regions. Its versatility ensures reliable coverage of steep batters, slopes, verges, stockpiles, and flat areas, delivering effective revegetation even in remote or difficult-to-access locations. This combination of an advanced hydromulch formulation and expert application capabilities provides renewable energy and infrastructure projects with a scientifically proven, efficient, and sustainable solution for soil stabilisation and vegetation establishment.
Result
The application of VE Char-Matt delivered immediate erosion control across the site’s steep batters and exposed slopes, effectively stabilising the disturbed areas. The carbon-rich matrix works improve soil moisture retention and nutrient availability, helping to foster microbial activity that may be critical for the soils to develop a strong root structure, supporting the growth of self-sustaining vegetation.
The enhanced moisture-holding capabilities of the product’s wood fibres, together with the water retention properties of Vital Biochar, significantly reduced the requirement for regular watering and the reliance of purchased water to foster growth. Delivered in one single application, VE Char-Matt met the key requirements of a highly effective, cost effective and operationally practical sediment stabilisation and revegetation solution.
Beyond site-specific results, Vital Chemical continues to work closely with civil and construction, land rehabilitation, mining, and renewable energy contractors to deliver practical, sustainable solutions tailored to each project. Its suite of products supports Australia’s transition to cleaner energy by helping operators reduce environmental risk, strengthen compliance, and build long-term resilience into every project. Vital Chemical’s exclusive partnership and distribution network across Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and beyond enables the delivery of best-practice sustainability outcomes while meeting economic and regulatory requirements.
Research and development at Vital Chemical is underpinned by collaborations with leading Australian universities to ensure all commercial, chemical compliance, and sustainability criteria are met. All Vital formulations and products are analytically tested, field-trialled, and independently assessed prior to market entry, providing contractors and developers with confidence in both operational performance and long-term environmental outcomes.
Infrastructure Sustainability Council
Vital Chemical’s portfolio of ISupply-listed products provides project partners with verified tools to help them to achieve Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Ratings and deliver sustainable infrastructure outcomes. VE Char-Matt is Vital’s 13th product to be listed on the ISupply Directory, reflecting its proven contribution to environmental, social, and economic performance across the lifecycle of infrastructure projects.
The ISupply Directory is an essential resource for infrastructure and construction leaders seeking suppliers whose products meet ISC’s rigorous sustainability standards. Being listed on ISupply demonstrates that a product has been independently assessed and delivers measurable value in supporting sustainability, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance across complex infrastructure projects.
