AT A GLANCE
The FIC-Fighters project (Fair, Inclusive, Circular, and Healthy cities: Valorisation of phosphogypsum wastes into commercial products through sustainable and circular processes) is a 48-month initiative funded by the European Commission, that started on 1 June 2024. It is mainly focused on valorising phosphogypsum (PG) which is a hazardous industrial by‑product, through circular economy solutions. Its mission is to transform urban waste into sustainable raw materials, while engaging communities across six European pilot locations, including Veles (North Macedonia), Venice (Italy), Barreiro (Portugal), Kutina (Croatia), Prahovo (Serbia), and Turnu Măgurele (Romania) to foster inclusive, healthy, and resilient cities.
OBJECTIVES
It is dedicated to addressing the environmental and societal challenges posed by phosphogypsum (PG), a hazardous by-product of the phosphate fertiliser industry, by turning it into valuable resources through circular economy models. Bringing together 26 partners from diverse sectors and disciplines, FIC-Fighters aims to establish a systemic and replicable approach to regenerating PG waste across Europe. The project operates across six pilot sites (Veles (North Macedonia), Venice (Italy), Barreiro (Portugal), Kutina (Croatia), Prahovo (Serbia), and Turnu Măgurele (Romania)) ; and targets five key sectors – batteries, packaging, construction, detergents, and fertilisers – where PG-derived materials can be reintegrated as sustainable inputs. Through a combination of mobile demonstration units, stakeholder co-creation processes, and advanced digital modelling tools, FIC-Fighters will produce new applications for PG waste and deliver tangible environmental and economic benefits. The project also intends to influence policy and regulatory frameworks by providing data-driven recommendations and real-world impact assessments. A core objective is to contribute to the goals of the EU Green Deal and the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI), by promoting urban resilience, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring waste is seen as a resource.
In addition to that, FIC-Fighters prioritises inclusivity and equity by integrating gender analysis and social considerations into its methodologies. This ensures that circular solutions developed throughout the project not only address environmental goals but also promote fair participation and opportunities across all communities. The launch of the European Exploitation Portal (PEPE) will then support the long-term dissemination and scalability of outcomes, fostering a strong European Community of Practice on PG valorisation and sustainable resource management.
| #FICFighters |
