Alignment with EU Green Goals

The basalt-bentonite we produce is a natural mineral that aligns on multiple levels with the European Union’s current (2Q25) funding and development programmes. Bentonite’s unique properties, water retention, nutrient preservation, soil quality improvement, and eco-friendly use, all directly contribute to helping agricultural and environmental projects meet the goals set by the EU’s „Green Deal” and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Where does bentonite fit into EU programmes?

• Common Agricultural Policy (CAP 2023–2027): Bentonite can be incorporated into agri-environment-climate (AEC) measures, as it strongly contributes to the sustainable improvement of soil fertility management, the optimisation of water management, and the long-term preservation of arable land.
• Rural Development Programmes: The use of bentonite in innovative, low-input agricultural practices is in line with the EU’s funding logic, which incentivises the reduction of environmental impact.
• Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme: Sustainability and soil improvement projects utilising bentonite as a raw material can also be funded within a research and development dimension, particularly in the areas of climate change adaptation, soil health, and the circular economy.

Why is it important for our partners ?

The use of basalt-bentonite as a raw material not only offers technological and environmental benefits, but also helps ensure the compliance of funded projects. Our partners can thus simultaneously achieve better crop yields, reduce their environmental impact, and become eligible to access EU funding in the areas of sustainable development and agricultural innovation.

„Science-based innovation in the service of sustainability.”

Kesoi Zrt.’s goal is to combine the advantages provided by nature with innovation, developing solutions that contribute to the objectives of the EU’s „Solid Deal for Europe” and „Green Deal” programmes. Below we outline a number of specific scientific innovations and applications.

Soil improvement granulate development: Bentonite applied in granulated form is capable of increasing the soil’s water retention capacity by 20–30%, as well as reducing the leaching of nitrogen and phosphorus. This directly aligns with the CAP’s agri-environment-climate measures. Furthermore, as our climate continues to shift towards Mediterranean conditions, the increasingly intensive application of this technology will offer numerous benefits in the future.

Precision agriculture integration: Development of slow-release fertilisers combined with bentonite-based carrier materials, which deliver nutrients in a targeted and time-controlled manner. This enables a reduction in fertiliser use of up to 15–20%, while maintaining stable crop yields.

Construction industry application, waterproof layers: Bentonite is the base material for geosynthetic clay liners (GCL), which are used for the insulation of landfills and water reservoirs. Due to the enhanced swelling capacity of basalt-bentonite, it offers an innovative alternative compared to traditional clay sealing.

Finally, it should be emphasised that bentonite is not merely a raw material, but a multifunctional, research-proven material capable of simultaneously serving the interests of agriculture, environmental protection, and industry. Through its innovative applications, it contributes to the EU’s climate neutrality goals, the mitigation of soil degradation, and the development of the circular economy.