Emission savings

Phosphorus (P) is a critical raw material in Europe due to rock phosphate reserves being finite, depleted, and in geographical regions which may limit accessibility. Recently, the war in Ukraine has exacerbated the P shortage, because of the decline in Russia’s phosphate production and limited exports due to sanctions, causing rock mineral fertiliser prices to increase significantly.

As phosphorus is a critical element, and rock phosphate reserves are not a long-term sustainable solution, research into maximising the efficacy of alternatives – such as biowaste materials – is a priority. Biomaterial waste including sewage sludge (SS), sewage sludge ash (SAS), biogas digestate solid fraction (BGF) and meat/bone meal (MBM) from the meat industry, could all potentially be used as P fertiliser. However, the P solubility and release to the soil from these sources varies greatly, and is often lower than that of mineral P fertilisers derived from rock phosphate.

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The European Sustainable Phosphorus Platform (ESPP) brings together industry, researchers, policymakers, and NGOs to advance sustainable phosphorus management through knowledge sharing, policy support, and innovation across the entire value chain. It promotes cooperation, circular economy solutions, and long-term strategies to ensure responsible phosphorus use and recovery in Europe.