Connecting Circular Nutrients to the Baltic Sea Region’s Broader Goals

At the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2025 in Sopot, Poland, nutrient recycling took center stage in the session “New Circular Economy Solutions”, jointly organized by the EUSBSR Policy Areas Nutri, Bioeconomy, Hazard, and Ship. The projects presented included CiNURGi & FERTITEC (PA Nutri), GYPREC (PA Nutri), Circular Ports (PA Ship), and Achieving Zero PFAs (PA Hazard).

In her presentation and the following panel discussion, Paula Biveson emphasized how the CiNURGi and FERTITEC projects demonstrate that nutrient circularity can drive both environmental progress and regional resilience. She highlighted that closing nutrient loops is not only about reducing eutrophication — it’s about transforming how we manage resources, energy, and food across the entire Baltic Sea Region.

Together, CiNURGi and the Horizon Europe project FERTITEC are building bridges between research, policy, and practice. By combining field-based experimentation with policy analysis and stakeholder engagement, the two projects are developing tangible solutions for nutrient recycling — from safe, high-quality recycled fertilizers to market models and policy recommendations. Their collaboration showcases how science-driven innovation can strengthen long-term regional strategies.

The impacts of nutrient circularity extend far beyond environmental protection. It connects directly to several EUSBSR Policy Areas — including Nutri (reducing nutrient inputs), Bioeconomy (economic value from organic waste, sustainable use of biological resources), Hazards (reducing environmental hazards from waste accumulation) and Ship (reducing fertilizer imports and strengthen European strategic autonomy).

Via reduction of dependence on fossil-based fertilizer production, nutrient recycling promotes also goals set for PA Energy.

By rethinking how nutrients circulate through agriculture, industry, and municipalities, the Baltic Sea Region can lead Europe’s transition toward a truly circular and resilient economy.

The key takeaway from the session: “The circular economy for nutrients is ready to scale — the question is, how fast can we move?”

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