KNAP Research project to showcase breakthroughs at IWA Resource Recovery 2025 conference

The IWA Resource Recovery Conference, organised by the International Water Association (IWA), is a global platform that brings together researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore the recovery of resources such as water, energy, and nutrients from wastewater and organic waste. Held biennially, the conference plays a pivotal role in shaping sustainable practices and circular economy solutions in water management.

Nutrient recovery

The KNAP research project (short for Kringloopnutriënten uit Afvalwater en Proceswater) is a national Dutch initiative dedicated to developing and scaling innovative technologies for nutrient recovery. KNAP focuses on closing the loop on key nutrients—primarily nitrogen and phosphorus—by reclaiming them from sanitation systems, municipal wastewater, and the effluents of the agri-food industry. These recovered nutrients are then processed into high-quality, safe fertilisers that can replace conventional, fossil-based ones. During the research project, the fertilisers are tested to gain data on yield and food security.

Dutch multi-stakeholder network focused on sustainable nutrient use

The Nutrient Platform plays an important supporting role in the KNAP project by serving as its secretariat. In this capacity, the platform helps coordinate project activities, facilitate knowledge exchange, and ensure effective communication between stakeholders. As a Dutch multi-stakeholder network focused on sustainable nutrient use, the Nutrient Platform brings valuable expertise and a strong network to support the project’s visibility, alignment, and impact.

The presentation by Kees Roest will highlight the results of the first successful pilots. His insights promise to spark important discussions about how wastewater can become a key source of circular fertilisers in the future.

Join us in the Middenzaal on 20 May from 11:15–11:40 to learn more about the KNAP project’s contribution to circular agriculture and resource recovery. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with pioneering work that is helping transform waste into valuable resources!