Sourcing
International Sourcing Division  ·  Akins Companies LLC

We Don't Just
Consult on Sourcing.
We Do It.

This page is a live example of what we build. Akins Companies operates active international supply chains — sourcing and importing products directly from Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, and beyond. No middlemen. No theory. Real operations, running now.

Active Supply Chain
7+ Country Partner Network
Direct — Not Brokered
We Can Build This For You
What You Are Looking At

Below is one of our active product lines — premium Namibian hardwood charcoal, sourced directly from Southern Africa and imported into the US market. We built this supply chain from scratch: supplier relationships, logistics, documentation, pricing, and distribution.

If you are here to buy charcoal — scroll down for full product specs, certifications, and pricing. If you are here because you want to build something like this for your own business — see how we can help you do that.

Direct
Supplier relationships — no brokers in the chain
7+
Countries with active supplier relationships
Live
Active supply chain — not a concept or proposal
Yours
We can build a supply chain like this for your business
Current Active Product Line
Premium Namibian Hardwood Charcoal

Lab-verified, UN maritime certified hardwood charcoal sourced directly from the Oshikoto Region of Namibia. Available in container quantities for US and international distributors, wholesalers, and retailers.

Lab Verified — Jan 2026
UN Maritime Certified
No Chemicals or Additives
Container MOQ
Samples Available

Sourced from the
Heart of Namibia

Our charcoal is harvested from the Oshikoto Region of Namibia — one of Southern Africa's most resource-rich hardwood areas. The lump charcoal is produced from Black Thorn and Mushara Tree, two of the densest hardwoods in the region, resulting in an exceptionally high fixed carbon content and long, clean burn.

Our briquettes are made from Dichrostachys cinerea — known locally as Sickle Bush — an invasive species whose controlled removal actively benefits the surrounding ecosystem. Every bag of briquettes is part of an ongoing land restoration effort.

All products are sourced through our exclusive Southern Africa partner, Gen Y Solutions PTY Ltd, with full chain-of-custody documentation available on request.

75.8%
Fixed carbon — lump grades
3.49%
Total moisture content
29.17
MJ/kg calorific value
4–6h
Briquette burn time
Independent Lab Analysis
Full proximate analysis conducted by independent laboratory covering fixed carbon, ash content, moisture, volatile matter, and calorific value for both lump grades.
Report LN512068-N009 — January 2026
UN Maritime Safety Certification
Passed UN self-heating test — certified safe for international ocean freight under maritime safety regulations. Full documentation available for import compliance.
Natural Binder Only — Briquettes
Briquettes are bound with 8% natural maize starch exclusively. No chemical accelerants, no petroleum binders, no additives of any kind. Fully carbonized and bark free.
Full Documentation Package
Lab reports, UN certification, chain-of-custody documentation, and compliance paperwork available to qualified buyers upon request.

Three SKUs,
One Standard of Quality

Every SKU is available in the same range of bag sizes and ships from the same supply chain. Mix SKUs within a container order — contact us to discuss configuration.

Tier 01 — Premium
Restaurant Grade Lump
The chef's choice — large, consistent, high-heat
Lab Verified Specs
  • Piece Size40mm+
  • Fixed Carbon75.8%
  • Ash Content6.94%
  • Total Moisture3.49%
  • Calorific Value29.17 MJ/kg
  • Volatile Matter13.8%
Black Thorn & Mushara Tree — Oshikoto Region, Namibia
Request Pricing
Tier 02 — Standard
Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Everyday performance — clean burn, strong heat
Lab Verified Specs
  • Piece Size30mm+
  • Fixed Carbon75.8%
  • Ash Content6.94%
  • Total Moisture3.49%
  • Calorific Value29.17 MJ/kg
  • Volatile Matter13.8%
Black Thorn & Mushara Tree — Oshikoto Region, Namibia
Request Pricing
Tier 03 — Consistent Burn
Hardwood Briquettes
Predictable heat, long burn — ideal for retail
Specs
  • ShapePillow
  • Fixed Carbon72%
  • Moisture4%
  • Burn Time4–6 hours
  • Binder8% maize starch
  • AdditivesNone
Dichrostachys cinerea (Sickle Bush) — sustainably harvested invasive species
Request Pricing

Eight Bag Sizes —
Your Label or Ours

All three SKUs are available across a full range of retail and bulk packaging. From consumer retail bags to super sacks for industrial or distribution use — we configure to your market requirements.

6.6 lb
8.8 lb
10 lb
11 lb
17.6 lb
20 lb
22 lb
55.1 lb Super Sack
Sustainability Story

A Product with a Purpose

Most charcoal brands can't tell you what wood they use. We can — and the story behind our briquettes is a genuine differentiator in today's eco-conscious retail market.

01
Invasive Species Removal
Our briquettes are made from Sickle Bush (Dichrostachys cinerea) — an invasive species that degrades Namibian grazing land. Every purchase directly supports its removal and the restoration of native ecosystems.
02
Full Traceability
Unlike most imported charcoal, we can tell you exactly what tree species was used, what region it came from, and who processed it. That traceability is increasingly valuable to retailers, Amazon sellers, and eco-conscious buyers.
03
Zero Chemical Additives
No petroleum binders, no chemical accelerants, no fillers. The briquettes are held together with 8% natural maize starch only — fully carbonized, bark free, and clean burning from first light to last ember.

Full Container Orders

We supply at container scale — one 40-foot container, approximately 40,000 lbs. Pricing is structured CIF to your nearest US port. All documentation included.

  • One 40ft container — approx. 40,000 lbs
  • CIF pricing to nearest US port
  • Mix SKUs within a single container
  • Custom bag size configuration available
  • Full import documentation package included
  • UN maritime certification included
  • Lab reports available on request

Samples First — Always

We don't expect you to order a container without seeing and testing the product first. Samples are available before any container commitment — you cover courier cost, we handle the rest.

  • Samples available for all three SKUs
  • Customer covers courier/shipping cost
  • Lab reports provided alongside samples
  • No container commitment required to sample
  • Typical sample turnaround: 2–3 weeks
  • Email us to start the sample process

Ready to Request
Pricing or Samples?

Email us with your volume requirements, target market, and preferred SKU. We respond within 48 hours with pricing, availability, and next steps. No forms, no calls required to get started.

Due to the volume of inquiries we receive, we ask that all first contact be made via email.

Email