Nutrient recycling gains momentum in the Baltic Sea Region
Nutrient recycling is increasingly recognized as a key factor for supply security, competitiveness, and sustainability in the Baltic Sea Region. These themes were at the heart of the discussion at the event “Circular nutrients for sustainable supply and energy independence”, organized by Centrum Balticum and the CiNURGi project as part of the Europe Forum in Turku.
Research, policy, and business experts from CiNURGi highlighted how nutrient cycling has evolved over the past two decades and where it is heading next. The discussion was moderated by Kirsi Ahlman from Centrum Balticum.
From a niche topic to a central policy issue
Erik Sindhöj from the Research Institutes of Sweden noted that nutrient recycling was long seen as a marginal issue. Today, however, disruptions in global supply chains, the pandemic, and the energy crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine have pushed phosphorus security and circular bioeconomy into the policy spotlight. “It’s no longer just about agriculture—it’s about food supply, energy, waste management, and minimizing eutrophication”, Sindhöj emphasized.
Sari Luostarinen from the Natural Resources Institute Finland reflected on how the focus has shifted from waste management to broader questions of self-sufficiency and security of supply. “What started as a way to reduce emissions into waters has grown into a critical issue for resilience,” she explained.
Business opportunities and technological innovation
From the business perspective, Tero Liukas, owner of Tero Liukas Oy, underlined how logistics can be part of the circular economy. His company transports slurry to biogas plants and brings back digestate to fields, replacing chemical fertilizers and fossil fuels. “Eighteen years ago, there were only a few small biogas plants in Finland. Today, the sector is growing fast, and investments in technology are essential”, Liukas said, noting his company’s adoption of near-infrared technology to better measure nutrient content in slurry.
The CiNURGi project is mapping biomass resources across the region, identifying both surplus and deficit areas for nutrients. “We need to move nutrients where they are needed,” Luostarinen explained. For example, southwestern Finland produces an excess of manure phosphorus, which could be relocated to other parts of the country.
Beyond manure: the next challenge
Moving beyond livestock manure remains a major challenge, said Sindhöj. Since manure consists of around 95% water, transporting it long distances is inefficient. New technologies are needed to separate and concentrate nutrients into products that can be easily distributed without increasing emissions. At the same time, industry standards and farmer acceptance of alternative fertilizers must be strengthened to support the shift.
Policy support for systemic change
At the macro-regional level, Elsi Kauppinen, coordinator for the Policy Area Nutri of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, stressed that nutrient recycling requires systemic change. While policies and directives exist, many remain voluntary or vary in implementation across countries. “Finland is a forerunner in nutrient recycling, and the EUSBSR helps spread good practices and supports countries in learning from each other,” Kauppinen noted.
Towards a more resilient future
The discussions at the Europe Forum underscored that nutrient recycling is no longer a technical detail—it is a matter of strategic importance for the Baltic Sea Region’s sustainability, security, and competitiveness. With growing cooperation between research, policy, and business, the region is taking important steps towards a more circular and resilient future.
