How smokeless coal is made

Smokeless coal is a necessity for homeowners who live in smoke control areas and wish to burn fuel in a home stove or open fireplace but needn’t just be a choice for those living in smoke control areas. Everyone who enjoys having a traditional fire as the heart of their home can take advantage of the benefits of burning smokeless coal.

To manufacture smokeless coal, the naturally occurring anthracite is ground down into a powder before it is mixed with a smokeless binding agent such as starch or molasses. This mixture is then formed into briquettes – these are more versatile than natural anthracite as their uniform shape can fit in many different appliances, such as multi-fuel stoves, room heaters and open indoor/outdoor fires.

Smokeless coals were developed in response to air pollution in heavily populated areas, most notably the 1956 Clean Air Act, which was introduced after the infamous London ‘Great Smog’ of 1952. All smokeless fuels must conform to the requirements set out in this Act and produce less than 5g of smoke per hour of burning. As compared to normal coal, smokeless fuel produces up to 20% less carbon dioxide emissions which makes it much friendlier to the environment. You can purchase smokeless coal from our shop here Smokeless Coals.

However, the improvements to the environment are not the only advantages of smokeless fuels. Their composition also makes them a much more efficient fuel for your fire. Their high carbon content results in less ash leftover, so you will need to clear out the grate less often. Smokeless coal also generates a higher heat output than traditional coal, meaning your fire will be much brighter, warmer and efficient.

Our smokeless coals are suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas, so if you want a smokeless fuel that burns brightly with maximum efficiency and no smoke, then why not take a look at our smokeless coal collection?