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Charcoal fines briquetting requires a binder to be mixed with charcoal fines, as charcoal is a material totally lacking plasticity and hence needs addition of a sticking or agglomerating material to enable a briquette to be shaped. The binding materials should preferably be combustible, though a non-combustible binder effective at low concentrations can be suitable. Starch is preferred as a binder. Tapioca is better one, which has better plasticity, and is the most preferable binder for charcoal fines briquetting in Southeast Asia. About 3%-5% of starch made into paste with hot water is adequate. Less binder content when briquetting, less ash content after burning. Highly plastic clays are suitable providing not more than about 15%.
 
It is possible to add materials to aid combustion of charcoal briquettes, such as waxes, sodium nitrate, etc. Also clay as a binder, silica, and so on, can be mixed with the charcoal fines to reduce the cost of the charcoal briquettes. This, of course, lowers the calorific value.