The global waste challenge
Increasing consumption and depleted natural resources
Tomorrow’s world will be shaped by an even larger human population, fewer people in poverty and unprecedented growth of consumer markets. This is a human development achievement and a business opportunity, but it is at odds with environmental security.
1/3 of all food produced is wasted each year, instead of reused for its energy and nutrients. As a result, great constraints will be put on our ability to feed the world’s population without major effects to our environment and climate. In fact, by the early 2030’s we are projected to need more than two planets worth of resources to meet demand. This calls into question our predominantly linear economic system and demands a shift from our take, make and dispose model towards a circular one.
Circular bioeconomy
The transition to a circular model has begun. Bioeconomy encompasses the production of new, valuable biological products from various waste streams. The key is to reconnect to the biosphere by mimicking nature’s own processes, such as the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles.
Biogas is produced from anaerobic digestion and the multifunctionality of this production is its clearest strength. It is not only a creator of renewable energy, biofertilizer and nutrients for farming and transportation, but also a means of waste treatment and reduction of greenhouse gases in agriculture and energy. What used to be a waste treatment facility, has now become a biological waste refinery.
Biond – Biocircular business partner
Biond is one of Sweden’s largest producers of biogas, offering municipalities and companies development, operations and commercial management of biogas facilities. The company is a driving force in terms of taking the industry to the next level and works actively to find new business ideas and opportunities for biological waste.
The business includes the operation of a biogas facility outside of Helsingborg as well as one in Sävsjö, Sweden. There is also a district heating plant in connection to the landfill outside of Helsingborg.
Facts
- Capacity for the treatment of 250 000 tons of biological waste every year
- Total production capacity of biogas is about 120 GWh
- Production of about 180 000 tons of biofertilizer every year
Bonbio Nutrients – Circular plant nutrients for sustainable crops
Bonbio Nutrients are made from biofertiliser from the biogas plant operated by Biond in Helsingborg. The company has integrated the product in a circular cycle where the nutrients from degradable food waste are returned to the food chain by using them to grow new crops and leafy greens. Bonbio Nutrients are free from pesticides and are used with good results in high-tech indoor facilities growing crops using hydroponic and vertical shelf systems. The Bonbio Nutrients can also be used for domestic cultivation and large-scale production of plants and greens.
Facts
- Bonbio Nutrients has no added pesticides
- Aprox. 18 kg organic waste is recycled in the production of 1 litre of plant nutrients
- The Bonbio Nutrients are produced by circular means at the facility in Helsingborg