Geopolitical tensions are propelling fertiliser supply chain concerns to the fore in Europe and consolidating interest in phosphorus (P) recovery technologies to fortify domestic production. Furthermore, an increasingly favourable regulatory landscape is giving a valuable boost to P recovery. National regulations in Germany and Switzerland mandate phosphorus recovery from WWTPs, while European Union legislation is now supporting the buildout of a market for recycled nutrient products that compete with phosphate rock-derived counterparts. While concerns over sludge disposal routes have been a long-term driver, recent supply chain scrutiny and the climbing costs of rock-derived phosphorus are creating a perfect storm of drivers which look set to accelerate this market. Furthermore, although the last few years have favoured struvite recovery methods from the liquid phase of sludge, there is now increased focus towards recovery of phosphorus compounds from the ash of incinerated sludge. As incineration is predicted to increase in frequency due to dwindling disposal routes, particularly in Western Europe, a number of projects for this type of recovery are now in the planning and construction phases. Companies that traditionally produce fertilisers from phosphate rock, and have more experience marketing such products, are also dipping their toes into the market.
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