Key Takeaways
- Horticoop has invested in Belgian fertilizer producer Anorel to support production scale-up.
- Anorel is expanding commercial-scale production of potassium carbonate derived from ash.
- The company’s zero-waste process converts food and biogas industry residues into fertilizers.
- The partnership supports demand for circular alternatives amid regulatory pressure on synthetic fertilizers.
- Anorel will remain family-owned, with existing management continuing day-to-day operations.
Anorel Attracts Horticoop Investment to Expand Circular Fertilizers
Horticoop, the investment cooperative serving the horticulture sector, has announced an investment in Belgian fertilizer producer Anorel to support the company’s expansion of circular fertilizer production. Anorel, which has operated globally for more than 30 years, is scaling an innovative process that enables the commercial production of potassium carbonate from ash.
The investment aligns with Horticoop’s strategic focus on sustainability and circular solutions for agriculture and horticulture. According to the companies, the partnership will strengthen Anorel’s ability to deliver competitively priced circular fertilizers and industrial raw materials while supporting the sector’s transition away from conventional inputs.
Circular Production From Industrial Residual Streams
Anorel has developed a zero-waste production process that converts residual streams from the food and biogas industries into high-quality fertilizers and industrial raw materials. The process uses potassium-rich ash, generated through the combustion of food-industry residues, as a feedstock for potassium carbonate production.
Development of the underlying recovery technology began in 2012. Residues generated during potassium extraction are subsequently combined with biogas industry by-products to produce organo-mineral fertilizers. According to Anorel, both outputs are circular in nature and suitable for a broad range of agricultural and horticultural applications.
The approach responds to increasing pressure on synthetic fertilizers, particularly in Europe, where emissions reduction targets under the European Green Deal are driving demand for more sustainable alternatives.
Anorel and Horticoop Target Commercial Scale-Up
Anorel has made significant investments in recent months to prepare for scale-up, including upgrades at its production facility in Genk, Belgium, where the potassium carbonate installation is now fully operational.
“We have been following Anorel for quite some time and believe this is the right moment to support the company in its sustainable transition,” said Patrick Groeneveld, Managing Director of Horticoop. “With this innovation, Anorel responds to the growing demand for more sustainable fertilizers, and we have great confidence in the management and team to realize their growth plans.”
Groeneveld added that beyond capital, Anorel will benefit from Horticoop’s market expertise, network access, and knowledge-sharing to optimize the application of circular fertilizers in cultivation.
Management Continuity and Next Steps
Steven Cafmeyer, CEO of Anorel, said the investment represents recognition of more than a decade of research and development.
“After more than ten years of intensive research and development, this investment represents an important recognition of what Anorel has built,” Cafmeyer said. “With Horticoop as a strategic partner, we can accelerate scale-up and work toward the planned start of organo-mineral fertilizer production.”
The companies confirmed that Anorel will remain a family-owned business, with its current management team continuing to oversee day-to-day operations as the company advances its growth plans.
