Duurzaamheid

Sustainability is one of Anorel’s core values. Showcasing this is our sustainability project where we seek to recover minerals from plant based ashes into circular raw materials. This allows us to valorize underutilized residue streams, avoiding the generation of a final waste product.
The Ash Base concept involves a smart database that optimizes production settings based on the input material (ash), in order to deliver an optimal output (fertilizer or raw material).
Beyond its agricultural relevance, the project also offers food producers a sustainable outlet for biomass waste, contributing to improved ESG performance while supporting the transition toward a circular economy.

The idea of recovering minerals from waste streams dates back to 2012. The initial strokes of the blueprint were drawn, but an immature mindset towards sustainability initiatives prevented these plans from being fully developed.

In 2021, the plans were revived and further developed, as the timing was right. We aimed to gain knowledge about recovering monopotassium phosphate (MKP) from the waste produced by local tomato growers. This research project was named 'Tombustion'.

The ultimate plan was to collect the tomato plant waste, treat it for preservation, and ferment it to obtain methane gas as an energy source on the one hand and a digestate on the other hand. The next step involved mineralizing the digestate to ash. The ashes would subsequently be synthesised into monopotassium phosphate (MKP).

At Anorel, our focus is on distributing and manufacturing water-soluble fertilizers, which means we specialize in inorganic chemistry. To support our research in organic chemistry we joined forces with the University of Ghent for this innovative research project. We combined our strengths, submitted a grant application, and in 2022, VLAIO approved the project.

Test results quickly revealed that mono-fermentation of tomato plant waste was highly challenging. The output of methane gas soon proved unviable, and the fermentation process itself was not economically feasible. Without digestate, the subsequent steps would also be compromised. Therefore, we decided to explore existing ash streams that are currently underutilized.
In addition to broadening our input streams, we wanted to explore the potential outputs. Beyond MKP, the process allows for the production of various other fertilizers, as well as raw materials suitable for different industrial applications.

The 'Ash Base' project was born! (2024)

The Ash Base concept focuses on developing a smart database that connects key characteristics of incoming ash—such as composition, quality, and origin—to optimized production parameters. This approach enables the efficient and tailored production of fertilizers or raw materials, based on the specific properties of the input.

Our R&D phase is complete, and so are our first successful pilot tests!
We’ve now kicked off construction of a brand-new pilot production site in Genk, Belgium, with commercial production set to begin in 2026.

We're excited to share that the very first product samples — made from ash — are now available;

• Potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) solution
  • Formulated in two concentration levels: 11% K₂O and 33% K₂O
  • Used as a sustainable potassium source in hydroponic systems
  • Used as a raw material for various industrial applications, including (but not limited to) surfactants/liquid detergents and soaps, glass manufacturing and food industries
• Granular NPK fertilizers
  • Containing varying ratios of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)
  • Utilized as a nutrient source in open field farming to support crop growth and soil fertility.
• PG mix
  • A tailored premix of macro- and micronutrients
  • Intended for use in potting soil substrates

As we move toward the industrial rollout of this project, we look forward to turning underutilized streams into valuable resources, advancing sustainable innovation, and fostering meaningful partnerships throughout this journey!