KNAP Project approaches completion: final phase in sight

Launched as a cross-sector research initiative, with PPP funding from government innovation programmes, TKI Water Technology and TKI Agri & Food, KNAP brings together over 40 public and private partners to systematically map the opportunities and barriers for nutrient reuse in the Netherlands. 

Closing the loop on key nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus

KNAP works to close the loop on key nutrients – primarily nitrogen and phosphorus – by reclaiming them from municipal and industrial wastewater, and the effluents of the agri-food industry. The recovered nutrients are then processed into high-quality, safe fertilisers that can replace conventional, fossil-based ones. 

Working across nine diverse case studies – five municipal and four industrial – the project delivers a comprehensive picture of recoverable fertilisers, both in terms of quantity and quality, their agricultural value, potential market routes, and a robust assessment framework for recycled fertilisers.

Final year underway

The KNAP project has now entered its final year. At the penultimate consortium meeting, held on 16 April in Nieuwegein, partners gathered to review progress and prepare a well-structured conclusion. With just one final meeting scheduled for 26 November, the consortium is working towards a careful and thorough close of the project by the end of this year.

The focus in this final phase goes beyond simply sharing results. The consortium is committed to ensuring that the knowledge generated is translated into practice, informing policy development and feeding into future legislation and guidelines on circular fertilisers. The goal is clear: KNAP’s outcomes should serve as a lasting foundation for a more circular and resource-efficient approach to nutrient management in the Netherlands and beyond.

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 Nutrient Platform is an initiative of the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP). Through the Nutrient Platform, NWP facilitates collaboration between water utilities, industry, agriculture, research institutes, and government to accelerate the transition towards a circular nutrient economy. KNAP is a tangible example of this mission in action: translating scientific research into real-world solutions that bridge the water and agri-food sectors.

Stay Informed

Interested in the results of the KNAP project? Visit www.nutrientplatform.org/knap or get in touch at info@nutrientplatform.org.

More KNAP news:

• 7 May 2025: Taste the future: KNAP research project to showcase breakthroughs while serving chips
• 7 October 2024: First results of field trials shared at KNAP research project consortium meeting