ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Agriculture

One man's waste: Companies harvest phosphorus from feces

Hitachi Zosen and Kubota see opportunity as China tightens fertilizer export

A rice field in Japan that uses phosphorus harvested from excrement. Phosphorus is a key chemical used as fertilizer. (Photo courtesy of the company)

OSAKA -- Supply chain risks are pushing companies to take a fresh look at materials they had previously discarded. One such trend is emerging in the world of phosphorus, which along with nitrogen and potassium is a critical component in fertilizers. 

Japanese manufacturers Hitachi Zosen and Kubota are both kicking off businesses that will extract phosphorus from pig and human waste.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more