LANDFEED partners recently participated in the ESNI–NERM 2026 event in Brussels. They contributed to a highly engaging session focused on circular bioeconomy solutions for the valorisation of agri-food and animal waste streams into bio-based fertilisers (BBFs) and biostimulants.
The session, jointly featuring the ReLEAF and LANDFEED projects. It gathered researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders interested in sustainable nutrient recovery and innovative fertilising products. The event generated strong engagement and dynamic discussions around the future of circular resource management in Europe.
Circular Valorisation of Olive Mill Residues
Elli Maria Barampouti (National Technical University of Athens) presented LANDFEED’s integrated approach for the valorisation of olive mill residues. The approach is based on a multi-process circular system combining several interconnected technologies:
- Extraction for residual olive oil using green solvents,
- Production of solid biofuel from dried olive stones,
- Biomass combustion generating nutrient-rich ash,
- CO₂ capture from flue gases to support microalgae cultivation.
The approach demonstrates how extraction, energy recovery, nutrient recycling, and carbon valorisation can be integrated into a closed-loop system. The system is designed to maximise resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
The resulting ash-based products are rich in valuable nutrients such as potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg). These nutrients contribute to the development of sustainable bio-based fertilisers.
Processing Animal By-Products into Bio-Based Fertilisers and Biostimulants
Julien Lequitte (National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse) introduced LANDFEED’s work on processing animal by-products. The process combines twin-screw extrusion combined with enzymatic hydrolysis.
The process enables the treatment of diverse feedstocks including fish waste, mollusc by-products, bones, skins, and wool. These materials are transformed into valuable bio-based products.
The technology combines:
- Twin-screw extrusion as an efficient pre-treatment step,
- Targeted enzymatic hydrolysis to produce nutrient-rich fertilisers and biostimulants.
The resulting products include solid fertilisers and liquid biostimulants with high nutrient content and significant potential for agricultural applications. The work presented also demonstrated the versatility of the process across different feedstocks while supporting compliance with relevant European regulations.
Strong Engagement and Dynamic Discussion
The session concluded with an interactive discussion among participants. The discussion focused on the future deployment of circular bioeconomy solutions and the importance of collaboration across research, industry, policy, and end-user communities.
Key topics discussed included:
- The importance of regulatory alignment for circular fertilising products,
- Building end-user trust through certification and field demonstrations,
- The role of innovation in supporting sustainable agriculture and nutrient recovery,
- The importance of effective value-chain cooperation for large-scale implementation.
Participants highlighted the growing relevance of circular nutrient recovery technologies in supporting resilient and sustainable agricultural systems across Europe.
The strong participation and lively exchanges throughout the session confirmed the increasing momentum behind bio-based fertilisers and circular waste valorisation approaches. They also highlighted the important contribution of projects such as LANDFEED in advancing sustainable solutions for the European bioeconomy.