Recognising the value of wastewater as a resource

Ragn-Sells’ Chief Sustainability Officer Pär Larshans had the privilege of being invited to UNEP and the Global Wastewater Initiative (GWWI) event on 16 August  2023, and to a side-event at UNEA-6 on 1 March 2024, to share knowledge and showcase solutions for utilise critical resources from wastewater. 

Revolutionising water resilience

On 1 March 2024, the European Commission, and the UNEP, co-hosted a side-event at the 6th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6). Under the theme "Shaping a water-resilient world, with water security for all”, the event highlighted the urgent need for a paradigm shift in water management and policy.

The event, which featured alongside others, Professor Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and representatives from the European Commission's Directorate-General for Environment, highlighted the importance of policy shifts in wastewater management. Pär Larshans, representing Water Europe at this event, emphasised the immense potential of wastewater as an underutilised resource in bolstering water resilience. The transformation of wastewater plants into resource plants capable of producing vital nutrients for food production, energy, and water usage emerges as a crucial strategy.

- The UNEA-6 side-event has really served as a platform for advancing dialogue and action toward water resilience. By recognising the value of wastewater as a resource and promoting innovative solutions, stakeholders are taking crucial steps towards ensuring water security for current and future generations, says Mr. Larshans.

Ragn-Sells' solutions for producing high-quality phosphorus from sewage sludge and nitrogen fertiliser from wastewater, were highlighted as essential components of a future where resource plants ensure water security for all. These examples underscore the potential for innovation and collaboration to drive meaningful change in water management practices.

Read more about UNEA-6 in this article published in the international magazine BNN “Push for Water Resilience: Uniting Policy and Innovation at UNEA6 Session” (bnnbreaking.com)

Read Water Europe’s summarising article from UNEA-6 “Revolutionizing Water Resilience: From Wastewater to Resource Plants at UNEA6” (watereurope.eu)

Circular nutrient solutions in wastewater

In the webinar “Closing the loop: Nutrient recovery from Wastewater” hosted by the UNEP and GWWI on 16 August 2023, Pär Larshans showcased innovative strategies for nutrient recovery from wastewater.

The webinar served as a platform to drive awareness and collaboration toward implementing circular nutrient solutions in wastewater management practices worldwide. Pär Larshans, representing Ragn-Sells and their innovation company EasyMining, emphasised the pivotal role of the private sector in fostering a circular economy within wastewater management systems.

- Today, we are wasting the majority of our water, containing valuable resources such as energy, nitrogen, and phosphorus. So, if we are serious about creating a sustainable society, let's unite and start seeing wastewater treatment plants as resource plants, concludes Mr. Larshans.

Read more about the event “Closing the loop: Nutrient recovery from Wastewater” on UNEP’s official homepage

See the full recording of “Closing the loop: Nutrient recovery from Wastewater” on YouTube.