From Waste to Sustainable Products
Valorisation of phosphogypsum wastes into commercial products through sustainable and circular processes to achieve healthy cities.
The project addresses the pressing need for sustainable waste management by leveraging circular economy principles.
To Fair, Inclusive, Circular & Healthy Cities
FIC-FIGHTERS is an EU-funded initiative aimed at creating sustainable economic models to manage waste that threatens our natural and cultural heritage. This project fosters dialogue on innovative solutions for long-standing waste accumulation issues near urban areas. By engaging local actors, industries, authorities, SMEs, research centers, and universities, we aim to scale up waste recovery processes to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6-7 under the principles of the circular economy.

Our focus is on the valorization of phosphogypsum waste (PG) to produce sustainable raw materials for the paper, cement, batteries, fertilizers, and detergents industries.
Over 48 months, in collaboration with the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI), we will:
01
Build a
Mobile Pilot Plant
Demonstrate sustainable production of raw materials (sodium sulfate, Rare Earth Elements, phosphorus, aluminum hydroxide, ammonium sulfate, and precipitated calcium carbonate) starting from phosphogypsum and other wastes, using optimised results and digital twin technology.
02
Create a
Phosphogypsum Forum
Facilitate local discussions and workshops across 6 case studies, including citizen participation, to address socio-economic, environmental, and regulatory aspects of new circular business models.
03
Enhance Flexibility and Replicability
Address the flexibility and replicability of the valorization processes by incorporating six case studies and establishing the first known PG Exploitation Portal. This portal will focus on identifying, characterising, and reaching all European cities facing similar challenges.
04
Create and Promote Knowledge Exchange Forum
Participate in clustering and CCRI events, establish a Community of Practice, and ensure project results are publicly available and exploitable, while addressing Intellectual Property protection.
05

Provide Circularity Guidelines
Develop guidelines based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), social, and health and safety studies.
“We’re committed to creating fair, sustainable cities.”
MarÃa González-Moya
Project Coordinator