Episode #2 explores the importance of nutrient recovery, specifically the recovery of phosphorus, from wastewater and waste sludge. The depletion of phosphorus reserves and the overuse of fertilizers have led to environmental pollution like eutrophication and biodiversity loss. Rag'n'Sells, a recycling company, has diversified to become a future material producer, focusing on phosphorus recovery. Their technology, called Ash2Phos, extracts phosphorus and other valuable materials from sewage sludge and other waste streams. Pär Larshans, Chief Sustainability Officer at Rag'n'Sells shares insights into the Havbruk project, where waste from Norwegian fish farms is turned into biogas and nutrients are recovered. The recovered phosphorus can be used as a feed phosphate or in organic farming. However, regulatory challenges and the need for partnerships and infrastructure pose obstacles to scaling up the technology. Moving towards a bio-circular economy and transforming wastewater treatment plants into resource plants is crucial for sustainable food production and environmental protection.


Takeaways

• Phosphorus is a critical raw material that is essential for stable food production, but its reserves are depleting and overuse is causing environmental pollution.
• Recovering phosphorus and other valuable materials from wastewater and waste sludge can address the problem of resource depletion and pollution.
• Rag'n'Sells has developed the Ash2Phos technology, which extracts phosphorus and other materials from sewage sludge and waste streams.
• Scaling up the technology requires regulatory changes, partnerships, and infrastructure development.

Useful Links
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/infographics/critical-raw-materials/

https://foodplanetprize.org/initiatives/easymining-is-recycling-nutrients-agriculture-needs-2/

https://www.ragnsells.com/what-we-do/inspired/cop28-sustainable-fish-farming-norway/

https://www.ragnsells.com/what-we-do/inspired/norwegian-fish-poop-can-replace-russian-gas-and-phosphorus/

https://www.10billionchallenge.org

The first episode of the bioCircular Loop podcast introduces the concept of circular bioeconomy and its importance in addressing global challenges. The circular bioeconomy involves shifting towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy, where externalities like pollution become the responsibility of companies. It aims to create value from waste and challenges the linear value chains that dominate the current system. The podcast explores the people, companies, organizations, technologies, and countries driving this transformation. The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) is highlighted as the first venture capital fund dedicated to investing in bio-based and circular startups. The conversation explores the use of waste as a feedstock in the bioeconomy and the challenges of cost and production. It also discusses the regulatory and policy framework in Europe and the support available for startups in the industry. The Netherlands is highlighted as a pioneer in the circular bioeconomy, and other countries such as Germany, France, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden are also mentioned as bioeconomy hubs. The conversation concludes with the expectation of continued growth in the bioeconomy driven by regulatory push, consumer demand, and the sustainability policies of companies.

Takeaways

• Circular bioeconomy is a sustainable and resource-efficient economic model that addresses global challenges.
• It involves shifting responsibility for externalities like pollution to companies and creating value from waste.
• The current linear value chains need to be challenged and transformed into circular systems.
• The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) is a venture capital fund investing in bio-based and circular startups. Waste can be used as a feedstock in the bioeconomy, but the cost and production challenges need to be addressed.
• Europe, particularly the Netherlands, is a pioneer in the circular bioeconomy, with other countries also making advancements.
• Regulatory and policy frameworks in Europe support the development of the bioeconomy, with a focus on production conditions, feedstock sources, and sustainability.
• Startups in the bioeconomy can access financial and advisory support from organizations like the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) and the European Innovation Council (EIC).
• Consumer demand, regulatory push and the sustainability policies of companies are driving the growth of the circular bioeconomy.

Useful Links

www.ecbf.vc

https://www.weforum.org/publications/circular-transformation-of-industries-the-role-of-partnerships/

https://www.fao.org/in-action/sustainable-and-circular-bioeconomy/slides/detail/en/c/1329591/

https://www.cbe.europa.eu/

https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/312121/reporting/es#:~:text=The principal barrier to fully,from elsewhere in the world.

www.biocircularloop.com

The Biocircular Loop podcast aims to educate and inform listeners about the circular bioeconomy in Europe. It highlights the innovations and businesses driving the growth of a circular economy powered by renewable biomass and recycled materials. The podcast explores the goal of moving away from linear systems and towards a circular system that considers the whole life cycle of a product. The host, Melina Gerdts, is a market researcher and strategy consultant who works with companies developing circular innovations. The podcast aims to educate, inform, and inspire listeners to rethink their own work and business models.