Artificial peat technology

Dr Nader Marzban, a bioeconomy researcher at the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), is one of the six finalists of our Scientists for Nature Challenge 2026: A Quantum Leap for Biodiversity. He presented his work at the 75th Anniversary Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings.

Peatlands are among the world's most important ecosystems, storing more carbon than all forests combined while supporting unique biodiversity. Yet millions of cubic metres of peat are extracted each year for horticulture, contributing to habitat destruction and greenhouse gas emissions.

Nader Marzban and his team have developed an artificial peat technology that transforms underutilised biomass and organic residues into a sustainable growing medium by accelerating the natural peat-forming process from thousands of years to just minutes.

By replacing extracted peat with a circular, climate-positive alternative, this technology has the potential to protect peatlands, reduce carbon emissions, secure food production, make use of organic waste, and support a more sustainable and resilient bioeconomy.