Building the world’s first phosphorus recovery plant

The Ash2Phos technology, developed by Ragn-Sells’ innovation company EasyMining, enables the recycling of phosphorus from incinerated sewage sludge. In 2025, construction began on the world’s first phosphorus recovery plant, located in Schkopau, Germany.

15 Sep 2026

The facility is based on EasyMining’s patented Ash2Phos technology, which enables the agricultural nutrient phosphorus to be recovered from sewage sludge ash. Marketed under the label RevoCaP, the end product is of higher quality and purity than phosphorus from traditional mines. The process also generates valuable by-products such as ferric chloride, sodium aluminate, and silica sand.

– After so much planning, it is highly satisfying to see the actual building taking shape day by day, while putting together a skilled and motivated team to manage the facility, says Anna Lundbom, Managing Director of Phosphorgewinnung Schkopau.

In May 2025, the groundbreaking ceremony for the facility was held in Schkopau, Germany. Scheduled to start operations in 2027, the facility represents a paradigm shift in phosphorus recovery.

– There is a limited amount of phosphorus on the planet. With Ash2Phos, we can provide high-quality phosphorus without the undesirable effects of traditional phosphate rock mining. Geopolitical uncertainties also make it increasingly attractive to extract phosphorus from domestic sources, says Anna.

"Being the first at anything requires a massive team effort. Together, we are creating a paradigm shift."

Anna Lundbom, Managing Director of Phosphorgewinnung Schkopau

The ambition for 2026 is to ensure that everything is in place before production begins: finalise the building and all equipment, start commissioning, and sign contracts for the products.

– This is a huge project and a whole new kind of investment for EasyMining. There are no blueprints or templates when you are breaking new ground. We are the blueprint, says Anna.

The main reason the world’s first phosphorus recovery plant is being built in Germany is national legislation that requires wastewater facilities to recover phosphorus from sewage sludge, set to be implemented in 2029.

– While there are technologies emerging, there are no full-scale phosphorus recovery facilities in operation. This provides an unprecedented opportunity to become market leaders. But of course, there are risks in being first. No matter how many test runs you do, scaling up a new technology will inevitably present unknown challenges, says Anna.

The Ash2Phos facility in Schkopau is being built in partnership with the German infrastructure and utility company Gelsenwasser. Anna, who was recently appointed Managing Director of the joint venture Phosphorgewinnung Schkopau, emphasises the value of having a partner who understands the market.

– Circular innovations are best realised through collaboration. I am very happy that we are undertaking this initiative with Gelsenwasser. Together, we have the expertise and experience needed to make this a success, says Anna.

This article is based on content from the Ragn-Sells Group Sustainability Report 2025. Learn more about our sustainability work in the full report.

→ Show more articles