ERM, the world’s largest specialist sustainability consultancy, has been commissioned by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) to develop a low-carbon roadmap for the global potash and phosphate fertilizer industry.

The roadmap, to be developed by ERM with support from Systemiq, aims to identify the policy and technology deployment actions required to reduce or mitigate the industry’s impact on climate change, as part of its journey toward net-zero emissions. It is designed to help the potash and phosphate industry to continue to supply fertilizers to support food security for a growing global population while managing the impact on local environments and global emissions.

ERM will analyse the potash and phosphate fertilizer market, assess the industry’s carbon emissions across Scopes 1, 2 and 3 and develop a low-carbon roadmap. It will also undertake a stakeholder engagement program to seek industry insights and views, with the aim of building the sector-wide consensus and alignment required to ensure the roadmap’s effective implementation. Further information is provided here.

Felicity Spors, Director, Sustainable Business & Infrastructure, Climate Strategy & Delivery at the EBRD said: “This new roadmap builds on our strong partnership with IFA to advance the fertiliser sector’s low-carbon transition. Whilst designed with a global perspective, it speaks directly to the priorities of the EBRD’s countries of operation – including Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Jordan – where phosphate and potash industries are central to growth and employment. For the EBRD, this is not just about reducing emissions in one sector, but about fostering competitive, resilient, and sustainable economies. We are committed to ensuring the roadmap translates into practical, bankable solutions that reflect the realities of producers while unlocking investment, innovation, and systemic change across diverse markets.”

Volker Andresen, Sustainability Director at IFA said: “Building on our successful collaboration with the EBRD on ammonia, including the development of local Low Carbon Pathways with ERM in countries such as Egypt, this new initiative expands decarbonization efforts to phosphate and potash. Together with EBRD and ERM, we are equipping the global fertilizer industry with practical tools and guidance to support producers in designing resilient, robust, and science-based decarbonization strategies.”

Richard Platt, Partner at ERM said: “Decarbonization efforts to date have largely focused on nitrogen fertilizers. There is a clear need for a focused, actionable strategy, for potash and phosphate fertilizers. We look forward to working with EBRD and IFA to set out a practical, data-driven pathway to significant emissions reductions.”

Potash and phosphate industry stakeholders and affiliates who wish to participate in the development of the roadmap via a series of workshops can get in touch with ERM via contacts below.

About ERM

Sustainability is our business.

As the world’s largest specialist sustainability consultancy, ERM partners with clients to operationalize sustainability at pace and scale, deploying a unique combination of strategic transformation and technical delivery capabilities. This approach helps clients to accelerate the integration of sustainability at every level of their business.

With more than 50 years of experience, ERM’s diverse team of 8000+ experts in 40 countries and territories helps clients create innovative solutions to their sustainability challenges, unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations. Learn more here.

Stakeholder contact: Richard Platt (richard.platt@erm.com)

About the EBRD
The EBRD is a multilateral bank that promotes the development of the private sector and entrepreneurial initiative in 39 economies across three continents. The Bank is owned by 77 countries as well as the EU and the EIB. EBRD investments are aimed at making the economies in its regions competitive, well governed, green, inclusive, resilient and integrated.

About the IFA
Founded in 1927, the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) is the only global fertilizer association, representing over 500 members across 80+ countries. We are committed to promoting efficient, responsible plant nutrient production, distribution, and use- essential to feeding the world sustainably. IFA convenes fertilizer producers, traders, distributors, startups, research institutions, and NGOs to shape the future of nutrition- and climate-smart agriculture.

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