Ehsan transforms waste into valuable products

Through his work, Ehsan has discovered a research path that combines his passion for innovative technology with a desire to contribute positively to the world. Supported by the Ragnar Sellberg Foundation, Ehsan is leading a groundbreaking R&D project at SLU, focusing on transforming waste streams into valuable products. His research, built on his experience as a leading R&D engineer at EasyMining, represents a vital step toward a sustainable future.

04 Dec 2024

Born and raised in Iran, Ehsan moved to Sweden for his university studies. He earned a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering for Energy and Environment from KTH Royal Institute of Technology and later worked at RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden) before joining Ragn-Sells’ innovation company EasyMining in Uppsala.

As part of the research team, Ehsan worked with the company’s patented process, Ash2Phos, which recycles phosphorus from incinerated sewage sludge. Ehsan was involved in every stage, from handling the ash in the early phases to producing pure phosphorus in the final step.

His work at EasyMining not only satisfied his desire to deeply understand innovative technology but also aligned with his ambition to contribute to something meaningful. This was what initially drew him to EasyMining.

"The processes we work with are not just about improving and increasing production; they’re genuinely aimed at creating a better world. At the end of the day, you feel like you’ve done something good," he says.

Ehsan finds research work fascinating in many ways. It perfectly suits his curious, analytical personality and his ability to think creatively. At EasyMining, his focus is on developing new methods for recovering nutrients from waste and ensuring their practical application.

"We test our ideas to see if they’re feasible and whether the concepts work. After that, we optimize the process and make sure it benefits the environment, society, and the economy," Ehsan explains.

“Balancing My Roles”

In August 2023, shortly after taking on his new role as a leading R&D engineer for the ongoing project, Ehsan began his PhD studies at SLU. The research at SLU, supported by the Ragnar Sellberg Foundation, will benefit from Ehsan’s work at EasyMining.

The aim of his research is ultimately to produce clean commercial products from various types of waste streams.

"In other words, I’m trying to transform waste into valuable products," says Ehsan.

Although he has access to SLU’s laboratory in Uppsala, not far from EasyMining’s offices, Ehsan acknowledges that balancing these roles will be challenging.

"Balancing the role of leading R&D engineer for the project while being a PhD student in the same project isn’t straightforward. The roles can sometimes pull in different directions – for instance, the project manager might focus on the customer aspect, while the PhD student wants the perfect microscopic view of the material. I need to find balance between these roles," he explains.

Ehsan initially planned to pursue a PhD earlier, but the projects he found felt too academic and impractical. Through his experiences at EasyMining and his connection with the Ragnar Sellberg Foundation, he found a research path that felt meaningful to explore.

"We’re working on new processes to solve real-world problems. It’s research that will make a difference beyond the lab."

Watch the video where Ehsan discusses his research project: