As part of Bioeconomy Ireland Week, stakeholders gathered in Cork for the workshop Closing the Loop: Best Practices and Innovations for a Circular Nutrient Economy. Co-hosted by Dr. Niamh Power from Munster Technological University (MTU)'s Sustainable Infrastructure Research and Innovation Group (SIRIG) and Clodagh Carr from CircBio, the workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to explore how nutrient recovery and reuse can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient bioeconomy. The event was organised through a collaboration between four complementary initiatives: the SIMONE project, funded through Interreg North-West Europe, ReNu2Cycle, the Shared Island-funded REGENERATE project, and the Npower project.
Held at the Dean Hotel in Cork, the interactive workshop welcomed 13 stakeholders representing the quadruple helix of industry, academia, policymakers, and civil society. Using a structured futures-thinking approach, participants explored the opportunities and challenges of developing a circular nutrient economy and identified practical pathways towards implementation. The programme combined a future workshop and collaborative discussion sessions, culminating in the co-creation of a roadmap outlining short-, medium-, and long-term actions to advance nutrient recovery and reuse.
The discussions closely reflected the ambitions of the SIMONE project, which aims to improve nutrient use efficiency and encourage the uptake of more sustainable agricultural practices. Participants highlighted the considerable potential of recovered nutrients to strengthen the resilience of farming systems while reducing dependence on conventional fertiliser inputs.
A recurring theme throughout the workshop was the importance of building knowledge and capacity across the entire nutrient value chain. Farmers need access to practical information to understand how recovered nutrient products can be used effectively, what equipment may be required, and how these products can be incorporated into existing farming practices. At the same time, policymakers and regulators need to be familiar with emerging nutrient recovery technologies. This knowledge is essential to support informed decision-making, establish appropriate certification pathways, and develop policy frameworks that enable innovation and uptake.
Participants also stressed the value of sharing best practices and experiences across Europe. Learning from regions that are already advancing circular nutrient solutions can help accelerate their adoption and reduce uncertainty for both industry and end users. In particular, peer-to-peer learning and practical demonstrations were identified as important ways to build confidence, exchange knowledge, and encourage the wider application of innovative solutions.
Another important challenge discussed was reducing the risks associated with investing in innovation. Uncertainty surrounding future policies and regulatory changes can discourage businesses from investing in new nutrient recovery technologies and make farmers hesitant to adopt new equipment or practices. Participants therefore highlighted the need for long-term policy stability and clear regulatory pathways to encourage investment and support the development of a market for recovered nutrient products.
Beyond technology and infrastructure, the discussions highlighted the central role of people and collaboration in driving the transition towards a circular nutrient economy. Skilled professionals, effective leadership, and cooperation across sectors are essential to translate innovative solutions into practical applications. By bringing together different perspectives, the workshop offered a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences, address challenges, and gain a better understanding of the factors influencing the adoption and implementation of circular nutrient solutions.
One of the main outcomes was the development of a stakeholder-informed roadmap identifying priority actions for advancing nutrient recovery and reuse. These actions cover several key areas, including knowledge exchange, regulatory support, market development, demonstration activities, and stakeholder collaboration. The insights gathered will help guide ongoing activities within the SIMONE project and its partner initiatives, contributing to efforts to improve nutrient use efficiency and accelerate the transition towards a more circular bioeconomy.
The organisers would like to thank all participants for their valuable contributions. The enthusiasm, expertise, and practical insights shared throughout the day demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration and innovation. The workshop reaffirmed the importance of bringing researchers, industry, policymakers, and civil society together to turn the potential of nutrient circularity into practical action.