Circular economy: New regulation for fertilisers
The European Commission has drafted a first deliverable regulation of the Circular Economy Package with a boost for organic and waste-based fertilisers.
The re-use of raw materials has been established as a principle of the Circular Economy Package, which was adopted by the EU in December. The commission now proposes a regulation that aims to simplify the process of bringing organic and waste-based fertilisers to the EU single market, creating new market opportunities for businesses whilst simultaneously reducing waste, energy consumption and environmental damage.
Commission vice-president Jyrki Katainen, responsible for jobs, growth, investment and competitiveness, said: “Very few of the abundant bio-waste resources are transformed into valuable fertilising products. Our farmers are using fertilisers manufactured from imported resources or from energy-intensive processes although our industry could valorise these bio-wastes in recycled nutrients. This regulation will help us turn problems into opportunities for farmers and businesses.”
The regulation mediates the conversion of bio-waste into raw materials to be used as fertilisers. Safety, quality and labelling requirements needed by fertilising products for free EU-wide trade are included as a key definition. Producers must prove that these requirements are met before the CE-mark can be affixed to their products.
The draft regulation will now go before the European Parliament and Council where, once adopted, it will become applicable without the need for transposition into national law. The existing regulation for fertilisers falls short of modern environmental concerns arising from contamination by fertilisers of soil, inland waters, sea waters and food.
Contributions to the Circular Economy Package are rapidly developing. Jobs and growth in the EU continue to be generated from secondary raw materials research, innovation and investment.
