Thw WalNUT projectClosing Waste Water Cycles for Nutrient Recovery
A European Horizon 2020 project redefining how we recover and reuse nutrients from wastewater to produce sustainable, bio-based fertilisers.
Why WalNUT?
As the world’s agricultural demand increases alongside pressures on natural resources, WalNUT aimed to unlock nutrients in wastewater and brine, transforming them from pollutants into valuable raw materials for agriculture.
This project directly supports circular economy strategies, reducing dependence on non-renewable mineral fertilisers and protecting soil health.
This project directly supports circular economy strategies, reducing dependence on non-renewable mineral fertilisers and protecting soil health.
Waste water is not wasted . Project video presentationThis is how it started
5 Pilot Plants Across Europe
Built to test nutrient recovery from diverse sources, these pilot installations represent WalNUT’s core experimental achievements:
Each pilot applies cutting-edge technological combinations tailored to its specific waste stream, maximising nutrient extraction while minimising environmental impacts.
RESULTS
Guidance & Knowledge Outputs
WalNUT published key knowledge resources for broader uptake:
📌 Best Practice Book: a harmonised guide for researchers, farmers, industry and policymakers on bio-based fertilisers derived from wastewater and other nutrient sources.
📌 White Paper: practical policy and implementation guidance for advancing bio-based fertilisers across the EU.
These outputs aim to accelerate market acceptance and regulatory support for sustainable nutrient recovery systems.
📌 Best Practice Book: a harmonised guide for researchers, farmers, industry and policymakers on bio-based fertilisers derived from wastewater and other nutrient sources.
📌 White Paper: practical policy and implementation guidance for advancing bio-based fertilisers across the EU.
These outputs aim to accelerate market acceptance and regulatory support for sustainable nutrient recovery systems.
🤝 Policy, Collaboration & Outreach
WalNUT has contributed to wider discussions on bio-based fertilisers and sustainable nutrient policy, including position papers with H2020 sister projects advocating harmonised standards and regulatory clarity.
In early 2026, the project’s final findings were presented in Brussels, engaging policymakers and stakeholders on nutrient recycling and wastewater resource use.
In early 2026, the project’s final findings were presented in Brussels, engaging policymakers and stakeholders on nutrient recycling and wastewater resource use.
Voices from the Field
📣 Voices from the Field
Explore the WalNUT project videos and interviews - voices, insights, and experiences from partners that shaped the journey
➡️
WalNUT Project - YouTube
Looking Ahead
🚀 Looking Ahead
Even though the project is just one step toward its conclusion, WalNUT’s innovations and insights will continue to influence future circular nutrient strategies in Europe, especially through its technology portfolio, policy recommendations, and community engagement legacy.
Access the WalNUT platform and join the stakeholder ecosystem.
Access the WalNUT platform and join the stakeholder ecosystem.
Scroll down to continue
Swipe to continue
Swipe to continue
Thw WalNUT project
Why WalNUT?
This is how it started
This is how it started
5 Pilot Plants Across Europe
Guidance & Knowledge Outputs
🤝 Policy, Collaboration & Outreach
📣 Voices from the Field
🚀 Looking Ahead