Sweden leads effort to end the ban on recycled phosphorus
Outdated EU rules prevent recycled phosphorus from being used in animal feed. Sweden has now taken the first step to change this. If other countries join, Europe can strengthen its food security, cut dependency on imports, and build a green industry.
07 Apr 2026In july 2025 the Swedish government formally proposed that the European Commission update the EU feed regulation to allow the use of recycled phosphorus. The proposal would remove one important legal barrier holding back Europe’s circular transition.
By supporting Sweden’s initiative, other Member States can help unlock a billion-euro green industry, strengthen Europe’s food security, and reduce dependency on imported raw materials. The change is small – but its impact would be huge.
“Sustainability and competitiveness must go hand in hand. Sweden has taken the first step – now it’s time for the rest of Europe to follow,” says Pär Larshans, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ragn-Sells Group.
Annex III of EU Feed Regulation states that all materials derived from urban or industrial wastewater are classified as prohibited for use in animal nutrition, regardless of how they are processed or purified.
This means that even clean, chemically recovered phosphorus from sewage sludge ash, such as RevoCaP, cannot legally be used in animal feed, despite being purer than imported phosphate from mines.
In order to change this, the Swedish government is now urging the Commission to request a new risk assessment from EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) as the basis for changing the regulation.
“Phosphorus is not just an agricultural input – it is a strategic resource. By updating outdated legislation, the EU can recycle this vital nutrient, safeguard our food supply, and build a globally competitive circular industry within Europe,” says Pär Larshans.
