Challenging the status quo: turning food waste into fertilizer for a sustainable future
At The Waste Transformers, we believe food waste is a resource, not a burden. Our ongoing research at the Johan Cruijff ArenA is proving just that. The food waste generated at this iconic stadium is processed in our on-site Waste Transformer, where it is turned into clean energy and a liquid organic fertilizer. This fertilizer has the potential to disrupt the harmful dependency on chemical fertilizers, which have long dominated agriculture.
Before the introduction of chemical fertilizers, organic alternatives were the standard—and they worked efficiently. However, the shift to synthetic fertilizers has led to depleted soils, reduced biodiversity, and diminished co₂ sequestration. We’re challenging this outdated, polluting status quo by proving that organic fertilizers can once again be the key to sustainable agriculture.
Every business that produces food waste holds the power to drive this change. By harvesting food waste before it reaches landfills or incineration, it can be transformed into a valuable organic liquid fertilizer. Our research takes this one step further: we’re testing the fertilizer produced from the Johan Cruijff ArenA’s food waste on professional sports fields, comparing it to growth achieved with synthetic fertilizers.
The tests are nearing completion, and the preliminary results are promising. The fertilizer shows great potential to support healthy, professional-grade sports fields—proving organic alternatives can match or even surpass their synthetic counterparts.
These findings bring us closer to certifying our organic liquid fertilizer in the Netherlands, paving the way for businesses to replace chemical fertilizers with bio-based solutions. With partners now joining us in this mission, we’re one step closer to restoring our soils, preserving biodiversity, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Reach out when you want to get involved.
Together, we can turn food waste into a force for good and reclaim the role of organic fertilizers in a sustainable future.
About The Waste Transformers: The Waste Transformers is a Dutch cleantech pioneer, providing on-site innovative technologies to transform unavoidable food waste into sustainable energy and natural fertilisers, enabling local positive change.
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Curious how our installation works? Watch our short movie here.
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