ACTIVE CHARCOAL WATER FILTER x2

• EGS002
• x2 Binchotan active charcoal filters (6 months life each)
• Vacuum packed individually, pre-washed and ready to use immediately
• Can be used in our Eau Good bottle, Eau Carafe using our Active Coil to hold it in place (*minimum spout opening 30mm)
• Please take care when dropping into glass bottles and jugs. Charcoal is incredibly dense and could cause the glass to crack, only add after filling with water.
• Made from natural, sustainably-sourced wood therefore dimensions vary (15 to 28mm diameter, maximum length 118mm)

When was Binchotan charcoal first used?

It’s been identified as first used in Japan by a monk named Kukai about 1,200 years ago. Although the Japanese have been using a form of charcoal for centuries, this type of binchotan “white charcoal” became really popular in about the 17th century.



How do you make Binchotan charcoal?

A piece of sustainably-sourced wood is placed in a low-burning kiln for a long time. Towards the end of the heating process, the temperature is suddenly increased to 1000°C, causing the wood to become red hot. It’s then removed, and placed under a combination of sand, soil and ash. This rapidly cools it, leaving behind a white residue (this is why it’s sometimes referred to as “white charcoal”). After it’s completely cooled, it has a very hard and smooth surface - and when tapped it will make a metallic sound.



How does it filter impurities?

Binchotan charcoal doesn’t just remove impurities, it also is able to release minerals like potassium back into the water. It’s covered in tiny little cavities which attract impure negative ions like chlorine and binds them to the charcoal, leaving the water filtered. In fact, there are so many of these tiny holes that just 1 gram of charcoal has enough surface area to cover one-tenth the size of a football field.



What amount of water can be filtered with a charcoal stick?

You can filter about 1.1L of water for 3 months if you want to use your bottle daily. Just add more charcoal sticks if your container or jug is larger.



How long does a charcoal stick last?

If used daily to filter 1.1L of water, each stick will last about 3 months - however, it’s important to pay attention to the taste of the water as it lasts as long as you notice the change in the flavour of your water. After 3 months, you can “recharge” your charcoal stick by placing it in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes. This releases all the impurities it’s gathered over the past 3 months, leaving it ready to filter again.



What should I do with my charcoal stick when it’s done?

One of our favourite things about using charcoal to filter your water is that it has so many afterlife uses! It removes bad smells if added to cat litter trays or nappy bins, it removes moisture from the air if you add it to your wardrobe or drawers, and adds nutrients to the soil if you pop it in with your houseplants (break it up first).



Should I wash my charcoal?

No, it’s already washed and can be used immediately.



What else can I add to the water with my charcoal stick?

You shouldn’t add anything else to the water you want to filter with a charcoal stick, this includes fruit, herbs, teas or infusions.

Is charcoal bad for you if you swallow it?

Sometimes, small pieces or flakes of charcoal will break off and be found floating in your water. Don’t worry if you should swallow any of these, they are not dangerous. In fact, charcoal is sometimes used to treat things like upset stomachs, diarrhoea and even hangovers.How do I wash my bottle if the charcoal is in it?Simply remove the charcoal stick before washing any bottle, carafe or another vessel with soap.