Our story
Recycling locally produced bio-wastes to ensure affordability and availability of innovative bio-based fertilisers
At the core of the ReLEAF project is the belief that sustainable agriculture and waste management can coexist harmoniously to create a greener and more resilient future for Europe. Recognizing the urgent need to address environmental challenges and the dependency on foreign supply chains for vital nutrients, we embarked on a mission to transform waste streams into valuable bio-based fertilisers (BBFs).
Our journey began with the ambition to not only demonstrate the viability of innovative extraction techniques but to also scale these technologies across Europe. Through our 5 Technology Demonstration Sites, we developed cutting-edge methods to extract key BBF ingredients from diverse waste streams, such as sewage sludge, fish processing waste, mixed food waste, and agri-food residues. These efforts are driven by a vision to reduce dependency on traditional, non-renewable fertiliser sources, such as phosphorus, potassium, and petroleum-based nitrogen, and to enhance the security of supply within European borders.
Our story continues with the establishment of two Fertiliser Production Sites, where cost-effective BBFs are formulated and produced. This step addresses not only the economic challenges associated with fertiliser production but also the pressing environmental concerns related to waste management. By valorising waste on a regional level, we contribute to a circular economy that benefits both local communities and the environment.
Our journey is further enriched by our 4 Field Demonstration Sites, where we assess the effectiveness and replicability of our BBFs in diverse climate conditions and soil ecosystems. These trials ensure that our solutions are adaptable and scalable, paving the way for widespread adoption across Europe.
A key part of our story is the emphasis on collaboration and engagement. Through co-creation activities, we involve regional stakeholders in the process, fostering widespread acceptance and support for our innovations. Industrial involvement is also crucial, enabling the rapid scale-up and industrialisation of our technologies.
Our ultimate goal is to contribute to the “A Soil Deal for Europe” Mission, expanding the BBF knowledge base throughout Europe and helping to secure a sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural future for the continent.