First economically-viable process for phosphate recovery

ended

The EU has listed phosphorus (P) and phosphate rock as a critical raw material due to supply uncertainties related to 90% imported rock phosphate imports. 90% of used P is irreversibly lost. Our solution converts P rich waste streams, e.g., sewage sludge ashes (SSA) and struvite, into phosphoric acid used in the fertilizer and flame retardant industries and chemicals for wastewater treatment and the construction industry. SusPhos will create Europe's independent supply of P. Flame retardants (FR) and fertilizer industries will readily consume these high-value products. Halogenated FRs are toxic and the manufacturers are switching from halogen-based ingredients to phosphates derived from rock phosphate. There are no methods that can upcycle P-rich SSA for direct use by FR and fertilizer manufacturers that use 3.4M t of phosphates worth €1.84B. By 2026, SusPhos will earn €43.9M p.a. with the potential to displace 20% of conventionally produced phosphates and eliminate 3.9M tonnes of CO2.