Long-burning briquettes that are sustainable and environment-friendly are now available for South African braai lovers.

Using macadamia nut shells as a raw material, Shisa Eco-briquettes help reduce carbon emissions and address deforestation and environmental damage caused by the manufacture of traditional charcoal.

“Our eco-briquettes burn cleaner, longer, and are made from a renewable by-product of the macadamia industry, macadamia-nut shells, an organic material that would otherwise go to waste. It’s the perfect solution for South Africans who want to enjoy their summer braais guilt-free, knowing that they’re making a difference,” says Shisa Eco-briquettes founder and GM Michael Duncan.

Duncan explains that the briquettes are made entirely from the shells of macadamia nuts – a renewable, organic by-product that is carbon-neutral and offers exceptional quality and performance. The briquettes produce a long-lasting, atmospheric flame that closely mimics the experience of burning wood, without the harmful emissions that come with traditional charcoal. Shisa briquettes are said to produce 80% fewer fine particles and 75% less carbon monoxide than regular charcoal, while providing the right amount of heat, and long-lasting coals for grilling over an open flame.

“We’re not just creating a great product; we’re also protecting the environment,” Duncan adds. “Shisa Eco-briquettes offer a sustainable solution that doesn’t compromise on performance or quality, and we’re proud to be part of a growing movement that’s shifting the way people think about their impact on the planet.”

The briquettes are available at selected outlets and in the Kruger National Park, which has started asking visitors not to bring wood into the protected area as it could be infected by pests like the shot-hole borer, which threaten local ecosystems. By offering a sustainable, pest-free alternative, Shisa Eco-briquettes says that it is helping to protect the park's delicate environment and support its long-term health.