With the first half of 2025 behind us, it's becoming evident, the carbon markets are on track for what could become a record year, despite the many headwinds. Year-to-date, retirement volumes have climbed nine percent compared to the same period last year, while the total retirement value has surged by 32 percent. 

This disproportionate increase in value signals a strong market shift towards high-quality carbon removals and a greater willingness among organizations to invest in impactful solutions. More specifically, the following five trends underscore that, despite less noise, the market is showcasing not only resilience but also active growth in the right sectors.

1. Strong shift to carbon removals

A significant trend emerging is the shift towards carbon removal credits. CEEZER platform data reveals a 102 percent increase in the removal share of transacted volume in 2025 compared to the same period last year. This surge indicates a strong preference for durable, long-term climate impact over avoidance credits.

2. Higher spend reflecting quality focus

Buyers are not only purchasing more removal credits, they’re also investing in higher-quality options. The average spend per ton across all credit types has increased 2.2 times. Specifically, the average spend per ton for removals has jumped 3.2 times. This is partly driven by buyers moving up the quality ladder, favoring Oxford Category 5 – durable carbon removals with the lowest risk of reversal – over Category 4 – carbon removals with a higher risk of reversal.

3. Durable removal technologies lead in transaction value

By value, the top two credit types traded on CZR this year are durable removal.

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Biochar and Mineralization are leading in 2025, reflecting a focus on durable removal technologies. Notably, Q1 2025 marked the first time Mineralization entered the top 5. In contrast, ecosystem conservation has seen an 83 percent decrease in value, falling to fourth place. Fugitive projects have risen, gaining traction as a scalable avoidance option with low additionality risk and relatively certain short-term climate impact.

This is in line with current developments around the heightened scrutiny on older methodologies, especially of REDD+ or cookstove projects, of which many may not qualify for the ICVCM's Core Carbon Principle (CCP) label, and which are starting to be less popular by many corporate buyers.

4. Professional services and Tech sectors continue to lead in removal purchases

• Professional services had the highest removal demand, accounting for 24 percent of total retirement value.
• Tech & IT experienced the greatest growth, with a 61 percent increase in removal retirement value.

The global growth in credit value and spending per ton is significantly influenced by the Tech & IT sector, which has seen the largest increase in the retirement value of removals. Professional services firms continue to lead in total retirement value of removals, maintaining a significant portion of the overall volume.

5. CEEZER’s Greenhushing Index reveals buyer caution in sharing retirement data

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The CEEZER Greenhushing Index, which tracks the share of anonymous carbon credit retirements, showed a notable surge during the US elections in November 2024. The share of anonymous retirements increased by 50 percent between Q3 2024 and Q4 2024, from 28 to 42 percent, indicating buyer caution in sharing retirement data. This spike has eased in Q1 2025, with the index dropping to 35 percent, and is expected to fall to pre-election levels in Q2 2025 currently standing at 23 percent. 

Looking ahead

As we look ahead, 2025 is firmly on track to be a record year for the voluntary carbon market.

Beyond the overall increase in retirement volumes, this trajectory is shaped by a significant market evolution: A collective prioritization of high-integrity, impactful carbon solutions, with buyers leveling up their spending accordingly. CEEZER continues to support enterprise buyers as they scale their investment, offering pre-vetted access to over $6 billion in carbon removal credits. 

In short: The carbon market is maturing. Quality matters. Buyers are stepping up quietly but effectively. Are you ready to join them? Let’s talk.