FERTITEC

FERTITEC aspires to analyse, systematise and spread knowledge and information about Best Available Technologies for recovering nutrients from secondary raw materials. To this end, we will map the state-of-art of 150+ available nutrient recovery technologies, going on to elaborate 30 case studies of existing installations utilising at least 6 secondary waste streams in the European (EU) and African (AU) Unions. We will then assess each case’s technical, environmental and socioeconomic aspects, to present them in 30 comprehensive open-access datasheets. The datasheets will be inducted into a multi-actor analysis together with our Experts Panel, to finally conclude on at least 12 Best Available Technologies in terms of reducing emissions and environmental impact.  

Technical activities will be accompanied by instigating multi-actor collaboration throughout relevant value chains at EU and international level. The FERTITEC consortium has been strategically selected to have on board experienced partners and coordinators from relevant past and ongoing projects (Novafert, FER-PLAY, MainstreamBIO, SOILUTIONS, SuMaNu, AgroTechnology ATLAS, B-FERST, NOVAFERT, CINURGI, Manure Standards, SUSFERT, NUTRI-KNOW, NUTRIMAN), who will act as impact multipliers ensuring effective consideration of their networks and results. The consortium will also design and launch the novel FERTITEC Knowledge Exchange Platform, and Stakeholder Network on recycling/recovering fertilising products from secondary raw materials as a hub for practical knowledge sharing, stakeholder engagement and informed decision making. Our insights will be used to develop a set of business models and policy recommendations establishing roadmaps for alternative fertilisers’ wide uptake and for an enabling policy environment. 

Overall, we seek to make a tangible impact at national and regional levels, by bringing our best available fertilising techniques to the fore in several EU countries, as well as extrapolating our outcomes to the African landscape by providing practical recommendations and guidelines. This work will ultimately aid informed decision making in the sphere and spur greater adoption of alternative fertilising products and the wider transformation of the agricultural sector.