Chemical recycling: from bio-based raw materials to safe, clean, and efficient fertilizers

Purpose and goal:

The project aims to develop a chemical process that efficiently recovers high-purity fertilizers from bio-based materials from the pulp and paper, food, forestry, and animal industries. Focus will be placed on the chemical recovery of potassium and phosphorus compounds as commercial fertilizers. The fertilizers recovered will be assessed and validated with the partners in the project.

A life cycle analysis, market analysis, and assessment of the industrial implementation are included in the study. Expected results and effects:

The project aims to improve the circularity and sustainability of bio-based processes and reduce the amount of materials and wastes that are disposed of in landfills or spread on land. The expectations are a technology for recovering fertilizers from biomaterials with a technology readiness level (TRL) of 5, a sustainability readiness level (SRL) of 5, and a market readiness level (MRL) of 6.

Approach and implementation:

The project will start in Nov. 2023 and last for 30 months. In addition to project management, and communication and dissemination, the project will include work packages that will focus on: in-depth characterization of materials and wastes from bioprocesses; development of chemical processes for decontamination and recovery of potassium and phosphorus fertilizers; validation of the recovered fertilizers; and the commercial viability and market implementation.