Strengthening circular solutions in fertiliser production

Representatives from Race For The Baltic, Grupa Azoty Zakłady Chemiczne Police and the John Nurminen Foundation during a joint study visit focused on circular fertiliser production at Yara’s facility in Uusikaupunki, Finland.

Race for the Baltic, Grupa Azoty Zakłady Chemiczne Police and the John Nurminen Foundation recently carried out a joint study visit to Yara’s production facility in Uusikaupunki, Finland. The visit focused on exchanging practical experience on circular economy, waste management, water savings, landfill management and the recovery of critical raw materials, all with the aim of reducing the environmental footprint of fertiliser production in the Baltic Sea region. 

A key part of the discussion was the need to look at industrial by-products not only as waste, but also as potential resources. This includes finding safe and well-regulated ways to increase circularity, improve water efficiency and strengthen safeguards around phosphogypsum storage sites. 

The programme combined presentations from all participating organisations with a site visit at Yara. The exchange highlighted best available practices while demonstrating the value of mutual learning, with both Finnish and Polish partners contributing experience that can support future improvements in circular resource management and environmental protection. 

As a concrete outcome of the meeting, the partners developed an action plan to support the transfer of Finnish know-how on the use of phosphogypsum in agriculture to the Polish context. This creates a basis for continued cooperation and practical next steps towards more circular fertiliser production and a healthier Baltic Sea.