Portugal, through ISQ and a project that will cost a total of 8.6 million euros, will contribute to the production of technology-based fertilizers, reducing Europe’s dependence on imported mineral fertilizers, the company announced on Monday.
ISQ belongs to the international ReLEAF consortium made up of 17 technology companies and research organisations from nine European countries, the private institution revealed in a statement on Monday, also clarifying that it will contribute to the production of technology-based fertilisers.
And continues: “The ReLEAF project aims to revolutionise the biofertiliser industry in line with the European Green Deal and the revised EU Bioeconomy Strategy”with the help of “innovative technological solutions”.
This will help reduce Europe’s dependence on imported mineral fertilisers in the medium term, the statement said.
Rita Alberto, from ISQ’s Innovation department, quoted in the release, says the challenge for ISQ and the European consortium is to “assess the widespread bio-waste streams across Europe – including sewage sludge, fish processing residues, mixed food waste and agricultural food waste – to produce safe, sustainable and efficient bio-based fertilisers (BBF).
The project, co-financed by CBE JU (Joint venture for a bio-based circular Europe), United Kingdom (UK Research and Innovation) and SERI (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation of Switzerland), focuses on the “systemic transformation of industrial sectors involved in the bioeconomy” Achieve “climate neutrality”, increase biodiversity, combat pollution and reduce dependence on fossil fuelsstands out.
Through innovative solutions, the consortium plans to integrate new technologies, establish sustainable value chains and create circular business models, which will contribute to environmental sustainability and economic growth through the creation of green jobs, collaborations and partnerships.
These BBFs are designed to improve soil health and quality, close nutrient loops in the food value chain and reduce dependence on imported mineral fertilizers.
The ambition of the project is to leverage the existing supply chains and sales channels of ReLEAF partners to market the developed solutions and products in the EU and globally.
In addition, the project will optimize raw material requirements and compound extraction and ingredient production technologies, demonstrate fertilizer formulation and production technologies, and evaluate fertilizer efficiency, soil quality, and product safety.
In addition, you will participate in the exploration and co-creation of the value chain to ensure circularity, carrying out environmental, economic and social sustainability assessments.
“ISQ will provide its experience and specialized knowledge in sustainability, circularity and occupational health and safety issues from design to chemical and microbiological testing supported by its accredited laboratories,” adds Rita Alberto.
Through a comprehensive approach, ReLEAF aims to address important challenges such as the dependence on external supply chains and petroleum-derived resources for fertilizer production.simultaneously promoting waste recovery and security of supply at regional level.
As the ReLEAF consortium embarks on this transformative journey, it not only contributes to the objectives of the Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe”, but also expands the knowledge base on BBF across the continent, paving the way for a more sustainable and circular bioeconomy, it concludes.
Source: Observadora
