€3m EU boost for sustainable fertiliser delivery research

The University of Birmingham is leading a major new European research initiative in developing biodegradable alternatives to the polymeric coatings widely used in fertilisers.

Funded by Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), the 'Generating sustainable, Responsible, Effective, and Eco-frieNdly delivery systems for fertilising products' (GREEN) project will bring together a consortium of 12 European institutions and stakeholders across 10 countries to develop multifunctional bio-based biodegradable delivery systems (BBDS) as a safe, sustainable, and affordable alternative to EEFs.

To meet the growing demands for food, the agricultural sector uses Enhanced Efficiency Fertilisers (EEFs) to improve crop production. EEFs keep nutrients in the soil for longer, reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, while maintaining or improving crop yields compared to conventional fertilisers.

However, conventional EEF delivery systems rely on non-biodegradable polymers, generating an estimated 22,500 tonnes of microplastics annually in the European Economic Area. They also often deliver nutrients inconsistently, harming soil health.

BBDS provide crop-specific nutrient release triggered by environmental cues and are fully biodegradable in soil and water. Using renewable plant-based feedstocks, they are suitable for application across conventional and organic farming systems. They also improve nutrient use, support soil health, and promote microbial activity by combining macronutrients, micronutrients, and natural plant boosters in a single system.

Principal Investigator, Professor Zhenyu Zhang, University of Birmingham, said: “Delivering nutrients for crops over a prolonged period in a safe and sustainable manner is a complex task. We are delighted to implement our formulation capabilities on this critical and timely challenge”.

The project has been funded following a 2025 call for proposals from CBE JU, which aims to advance the scale-up of competitive circular bio-based industries in Europe and deliver new sustainable products and solutions to the market. Together, the projects will play a critical role in advancing the goals of the CBE JU Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda and shaping a competitive, resilient and sustainable bioeconomy in Europe.

Nicoló Giacomuzzi-Moore, CBE JU Executive Director, said: "With these 24 new projects, Europe takes another concrete step towards a circular and sustainable bio-based economy. In a time of global uncertainty, the bioeconomy stands out as a strategic asset for Europe, helping to cut our reliance on fossil resources, sharpen our competitiveness and secure our strategic autonomy. It is inspiring to see SMEs, large industries, researchers and primary producers working side by side to turn ambition into real solutions for a more resilient future."

GREEN is expected to deliver four large-scale bio-based fertilisers with significant production capacity and expand BBDS applications to seed coatings and plant protection products integrated into industrial systems. These innovations will reduce nutrient losses and greenhouse gas emissions. They also eliminate microplastic residue, improving overall soil health, biodiversity, and water quality.

It also aims to establish new regional value chains across Europe, boosting local bioeconomy and jobs while driving strong farmer adoption through demonstrated benefits and targeted training, supporting a more sustainable and circular agricultural system.

Bringing together partners from 10 countries, GREEN showcases the University of Birmingham's leadership in European research and innovation, aligning with ambitions to strengthen collaboration across Europe, through its Brussels office, to accelerate innovation and deliver environmental, economic and societal benefits across the region.