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Can Low-Emission Fertiliser Be Real? Yes. Here’s How…
When people talk about “net zero,” they usually think of electric vehicles, solar panels, and energy efficiency. But what if we told you one of the most powerful climate solutions could come from something far less glamorous: fertiliser?
More specifically, a smarter fertiliser that reduces emissions not just in how it's used, but in how it’s made.
At ECT, we're proving that low-emission fertiliser is not just a theory. It’s real. And it’s being made right here in Australia.
The Problem with Conventional Fertiliser
Most nitrogen fertilisers, especially urea, are made using the Haber-Bosch process, which converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia using vast amounts of natural gas.
This process:
- Emits large volumes of CO₂
- Is energy-intensive and centralised, often far from end-use regions
- Results in fertiliser that’s prone to leaching, volatilisation, and emissions during use
In fact, for every tonne of urea applied, around 1.37 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions are released, mainly in the form of nitrous oxide (N₂O), which is 300 times more potent than CO₂.
The result? A tool essential to feeding the world is also a significant source of greenhouse gas.
A New Approach: Low-Temperature Fertiliser Manufacturing
COLDry Fertiliser takes a radically different path.
Using ECT’s patented COLDry process, we blend conventional urea with a carbon-rich lignite base and then dry the material at temperatures below 40°C.
Why does this matter?
- Conventional high-temperature drying breaks down urea
- It also causes significant nitrogen loss, reducing efficiency and increasing emissions.
By contrast, the COLDry method:
- Preserves nitrogen content
- Consumes far less energy than traditional drying
- Results in near-zero nitrogen loss during manufacture.
This manufacturing efficiency is a game-changer, not just for emissions, but for cost and performance.
Why Low-Emission Fertiliser Is Achievable
COLDry Fertiliser helps minimise emissions in three ways:
- Production
COLDry is a zero-emission process that avoids emissions associated with high-temperature processing. - Distribution
Localised manufacturing reduces transport emissions and supply chain vulnerability. - Application
Independent trials show:- 59% less nitrogen leaching
- 64% less NOx emissions
- 21% increase in nitrogen uptake by the plant
- 23% increase crop yield (compared to urea alone)
Importantly, the lignite base adds organic carbon to the soil, thereby improving soil health and drawing CO₂ from the atmosphere.
Why It Matters
Agriculture is responsible for nearly one-fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions. Much of this comes from synthetic nitrogen fertilisers.
Unlike electricity or transport, emissions from fertiliser aren’t easy to abate. The sector lacks alternatives until now.
COLDry Fertiliser is:
- Cost-competitive with conventional products
- Compatible with existing equipment and spreading rates
- Capable of delivering lower emissions and better yield
It’s not just better for the environment, it’s better for farmers.
Made in Australia, for Australian Conditions
Manufactured locally at Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, it represents a step-change in how Australia produces and uses fertiliser, and a strategic opportunity to support soil health, regional manufacturing, and food security.
The Path Forward
Our goal is simple:
- Scale production to 30,000 to 50,000+ tonnes annually
- Enable low-emission farming at scale
- Support soil carbon drawdown and nitrogen efficiency
Fertiliser won’t disappear. But it can evolve.
Join the Movement
Are you a farmer, agronomist, or sustainability professional interested in being part of the shift?
Email: [email protected]
The low-emission future of fertiliser is here, and it starts from the ground up.