Aggregator Comparison Matrix

Compare real aggregators and their terms side-by-side

Filter by Your Needs

Calculate Your Annual Revenue Difference

€9,800
Annual difference between worst and best option
Aggregator Type Commission Contract Length Upfront Payment Best For Key Terms Red Flags
Full Service Giants
e.g., South Pole, ClimatePartner 		40-60%
20-40 years LOCKED
Sometimes (20-30% upfront) Small forests (< 50 ha)
No other options
Handles everything Established buyers All ecosystem rights No transparency
• Gross revenue commission
• Assignment without consent
• Unlimited liability
Regional Players
e.g., Arbonics, Tree.ly 		30-40%
10-20 years
Rarely Medium forests (50-200 ha)
Seeking balance
More flexible Regional focus Limited buyers Slower sales
• Carbon rights only
• Some transparency
• Capped liability
Light Touch Services
Boutique providers 		20-30%
5-10 years
Never Large forests (> 200 ha)
With experience
More control Negotiable terms Less support You do more
• Net revenue basis
• Exit clauses
• Shared liability
Cooperatives
RECOMMENDED
Forest owner groups 		15-20%
Flexible
Never Any size forest
Smart owners unite
Democratic control Shared costs Full transparency Requires coordination
• Member governance
• Open books
• Flexible terms
Direct Platforms
Puro.earth, Carbonfuture 		10-15%
No lock-in
Never Sophisticated operators
DIY approach
Maximum profit Full control You handle verification Need expertise
• Transparent fees
• No long contracts
• You own everything
Direct to Buyer
No intermediary 		0%
Negotiable
Possible Very large forests (> 500 ha)
With buyer relationships
100% revenue Direct relationship 18-24 month process High complexity
• You set all terms
• Complete transparency
• Maximum value capture
Important: These are typical market ranges based on industry analysis. Always verify current terms directly with providers. Commission structures and contract terms vary significantly based on project specifics, location, and negotiation.

Questions to Ask Every Aggregator

  1. Commission Structure: "Is your commission on gross or net revenue? What costs are deducted first?"
  2. Transparency: "Will I receive quarterly reports with actual sale prices and buyer names?"
  3. Rights: "Are you taking only carbon rights, or all ecosystem services?"
  4. Exit: "What are the termination clauses? Can I exit after 10 years?"
  5. Liability: "Is reversal liability capped? Do you provide insurance?"
  6. Assignment: "Can you sell my contract to another party without my consent?"
  7. Performance: "What's your average sale price for credits? How long to first payment?"