From Fatbergs to Fragrance: An Unlikely Journey

Deep beneath our streets, in the hidden world of sewer systems, lurk the infamous fatbergs—massive, stubborn clumps of fat, oil, and waste causing costly blockages and environmental headaches. At the University of Edinburgh, however, a team of bioengineers is transforming these unwelcome masses into something extraordinary. By sterilising them and introducing genetically modified bacteria, they break the fatbergs down into useful chemicals that can be turned into surprising products—like perfume.

This process isn’t just innovative—it exemplifies the circular economy, where waste finds a second life as a resource rather than being discarded. Fatbergs, which currently cost the water industry millions each year to manage, are being reimagined as a resource for sustainability through innovative bioengineering. For the UK water industry, this breakthrough offers a transformative solution to ongoing issues. By addressing priorities tied to AMP8 and SR27, these efforts pave the way for increased efficiency, cost savings, and significant environmental benefits.

But realising this potential isn’t just about the technology. It will require collaboration, investment, and a shift in mindset to fully embrace the possibilities. Who would have thought fatbergs could become useful?

Yet, while the opportunities are exciting, integrating fatbergs into the circular economy comes with its own set of hurdles. The journey from innovation to implementation is rarely straightforward and will require careful navigation.

Bridging the Gap: Awareness, Scaling, and Communication

Transforming fatbergs into a resource requires more than just groundbreaking technology. Success hinges on creating awareness, scaling innovation, and cultivating collaboration across industries, policymakers, and stakeholders. Robust corporate communication is pivotal in articulating the value of these innovations and driving sustainable transformation.

Creating Awareness

Awareness is key to ensuring stakeholders understand the economic and environmental benefits of repurposing fatbergs. By sharing success stories through case studies, public forums, and platforms like LinkedIn, industries and policymakers can see how these innovations align with sustainability targets and regulatory requirements. Public engagement campaigns and educational initiatives, such as workshops and social media outreach, can also promote proper waste disposal while showcasing the broader benefits of circular economy practices.

Scaling Innovation

Moving from lab breakthroughs to large-scale industrial applications is no small feat. It demands significant investment, advanced infrastructure, and collaboration between organisations. Smaller companies may struggle with the upfront costs of adopting these technologies, but strategic partnerships—such as co-branded initiatives between bioengineering firms and water companies—can secure funding and demonstrate feasibility. Highlighting the tangible economic and environmental benefits of scaling these solutions helps attract investment and encourage widespread adoption.

Collaborating for Progress

Partnerships between water companies, bioengineering firms, and policymakers can drive progress by promoting innovation and advocating for supportive regulations. Policymakers play a critical role in creating incentives for sustainable practices and establishing clear frameworks for waste reduction and resource recovery. Meanwhile, water companies can showcase leadership by implementing these technologies, sharing real-world examples, and positioning themselves at the forefront of the circular economy.

By combining these efforts into a cohesive strategy, the water industry can not only address long-standing challenges but also transform public perception and stakeholder engagement, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

A Balanced Approach

While the vision of transforming fatbergs into resources is inspiring, it must complement—not replace—efforts to prevent them from developing. Proper waste disposal remains critical to minimising costs, protecting the environment, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of these operations.

By integrating effective communication strategies into this transformative vision, the water industry can build trust, engage stakeholders, and lead the way in innovation. Fatbergs, once dreaded, could very well become an unlikely hero in the story of sustainability—if we tell the right story and inspire the right behaviours.