NLNews
Online Resident's Meeting
Amsterdam – March 31, 2025
Time: 19:00 – 21:00 CET
Location: Online via Zoom
This meeting will be recorded. If you don’t want to appear on screen with your own name, choose an anonymous name.
About us
We are a leading global company specializing in specific minerals. We develop effective solutions for today’s most pressing sustainability challenges. Our mission is to make a difference in the food, agriculture, and industrial sectorswhile contributing to a sustainable future.
How do we achieve this?
We leverage our unique natural resources, passionate team of talented employees, and technological expertise to make an impact by scaling up food production, ensuring food quality, enabling sustainable agriculture and industrial production, and protecting the environment.
History of AMFERT
ICL was founded in 1907 as the Amsterdamsche Superfosfaatfabriek.
In the 1950s, it became part of DSM.
in 1982, it joined ICL,
a globally operating chemical company.
Since then, the Amsterdam site has played a crucial role in the production of high-quality fertilizers, which are essential for the agricultural sector and help improve crop yields worldwide.
Our Factory in Amsterdam
Sustainability and the Phosphate Cycle
Furthermore, using 100% recycled materials is an important step towards a circular economy. By developing fertilizers that are fully or partially based on recycled sources, ICL reduces its reliance on phosphate rock. This aligns with the global need for responsible use of natural resources.
Emission Measurements and Environmental Management
ICL conducts annual emission measurements to comply with applicable environmental regulations and permits. These measurements, carried out by accredited companies, focus on substances such as dust, fluorides, and odors. The results confirm that ICL operates within the permitted limits. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency conducts random inspections, further ensuring the reliability of the measurements.
In December 2023, ICL applied for a renewed environmental permit to further reduce emissions and improve its odor management plan.
This underscores ICL’s commitment not only to compliance but also to proactively contributing to stricter environmental standards.
Fertilizer Production Process
The fertilizer production process at ICL is designed for the efficient processing of raw materials such as phosphate rock, phosphoric acid, and potassium. First, phosphate rock is ground and mixed with acids, such as phosphoric acid or sulfuric acid, to make the phosphate water-soluble. This process, known as acidulation, is essential for nutrient absorption by plants.
After acidulation, other raw materials are added to convert the nutrients into a powder. A granulation process ensures that the powder clumps together, forming fertilizer granules in the desired shape. The product is then dried, screened, and cooled before being stored and prepared for shipment. Approximately 95% of the fertilizer is transported by shipto customers. Thanks to these precise processes, ICL produces customized fertilizers that meet the specific needs of various markets.
What Are Mercaptans and Their Role in Odor?
Mercaptans, also known as thiols, are chemical compounds released during the fertilizer production process. These substances contain sulfur, which produces a strong and characteristic odor that can be detected even at very low concentrations. Although mercaptans in the amounts released by ICL are harmless, their intense smell can cause odor nuisance for local residents.
ICL takes this issue seriously and is working on minimizing odor impact. Continuous research is conducted to improve production techniques and explore alternative raw materials. By combining these efforts with transparent communication with the community, ICL strives to maintain efficient production while being a responsible neighbor.