From Sludge to Resources: Technologies and Strategies for the Future

Sewage sludge treatment is at a turning point. New EU requirements and mounting pressure to advance the circular economy are driving innovative approaches and rapid technological progress – opening up practical pathways from disposal to valorisation.

This event centres on the ERDF project “Recupero di nutrienti dal processo HTC” (recovery of nutrients from the HTC process), carried out jointly by the biotechnology company HBI and the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano. We will discuss how hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) serves as an innovative technical solution for nutrient recovery and examine the potential to extract critical raw materials (CRMs) from ash.

Focus areas:

·       Overview of the legal framework and timelines (incl. Directive (EU) 2024/3019) and implications for plant operations

·       Practical insights into material flows, technologies and economics

·       Peer exchange and targeted networking with experts from research, industry and public authorities

·       Presentation of project results with transferable lessons on the opportunities and limits of local value chains for CRM recovery

Who should attend?

Industry specialists, engineers and professionals in wastewater treatment, waste management, plant engineering, fertiliser production and distribution, research and public institutions.

The event is free to attend and will mainly be held in Italian, with simultaneous German interpretation provided. Attendance at the event is eligible for continuing education credits from the Chamber of Engineers (2 CFP).