Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for plant growth and a key component of fertilizers used in agriculture. However, Europe is heavily reliant on imported phosphate rock, with over 90% of the phosphate used in the EU coming from abroad. Recognizing the supply risks associated with this dependence, the European Commission classified phosphorus as a strategic critical raw material in 2023.
The ONE EARTH project addresses this challenge through circular innovation: transforming fish bones and other organic residues into phosphorus-rich fertilizers. Fish bones are naturally high in calcium phosphate, and through thermochemical conversion, they can be safely processed into bone char, a material with proven fertilizer value.
This approach not only recovers valuable nutrients from fish waste but also reduces the need for imported phosphate and minimizes waste disposal. Scientific studies confirm that animal bones are a viable source of phosphate, and their reuse in agriculture supports nutrient recycling efforts.
This innovation aligns with several EU policies. The Farm to Fork Strategy calls for a 50% reduction in nutrient losses and a 20% reduction in fertilizer use by 2030, encouraging more efficient and sustainable nutrient management. Additionally, the EU Fertilising Products Regulation (2019) provides a legal framework for marketing recycled fertilizers, such as bone-derived products, across the EU.
By recovering phosphorus from fish processing by-products, ONE EARTH contributes to food security, circularity, and environmental sustainability. This solution supports the idea of “closing the loop” for phosphorus: returning nutrients from waste back to the soil, and helping build a more resilient and self-sufficient European agricultural system.
