Creating a Bespoke Container Laboratory to Synthesise Human Urine

We worked with NPK Recovery to design and deliver a bespoke container laboratory to support the next phase of their innovative nutrient recovery process.

The converted container was engineered to operate as a mobile laboratory, allowing synthesis of fertiliser directly at collection sites where permanent facilities aren’t feasible. This project demonstrates how our container conversions can support applied research, sustainability-led innovation, and highly specialised process development in real-world environments.

The Customer

When a Bristol-based start-up decided to expand its innovative concept of converting human urine into fertiliser, it needed a portable laboratory to begin the next step of its journey. Through close collaboration with our Conversions team, the perfect solution was developed.

NPK Recovery specialises in the recovery of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) from human urine. By capturing these naturally occurring elements from human waste, they can be put to use as a natural fertiliser for the UK agricultural industry. This has the potential to reduce the sector’s dependence on synthetic alternatives to ensure fields have the necessary levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for high-quality plant growth.

People inspecting an NPK recovery laboratory container with external urinal installation, showing a green converted shipping container, and an outdoor urinal unit as part of a specialist laboratory and welfare setup.

The Challenge

Aiming to optimise removing the naturally occurring nutrients as efficiently as possible, the team at NPK Recovery elected to commission a portable container laboratory to transport between their partner locations. These include sites such as motorway service stations and festivals, where a collection of the commodity is easier, but where having a permanent laboratory is not possible.

When on site, the container will synthesise the waste product into fertiliser, before being transported to farms.

With the first container laboratory set to be the official blueprint to help NPK Recovery define what it needs for future models, the team appointed our container conversion engineers to help them navigate this new process.

Exterior of an NPK recovery workshop and laboratory built from a shipping container, showing a green converted container with personnel door, windows and secure structure designed for nutrient recovery and laboratory operations.

The Result

The container laboratory was delivered to the NPK Recovery site in Bristol by our trusted haulier. Hoping to be placed within the building, the delivery team were able to transport the unit through a tightly sized entryway to its temporary home. Through skill and determination, they were able to place the container in the desired place without issue.

Our team remained on hand following the delivery of the unit to ensure that the NPK Recovery team were completely satisfied. After a minor issue arose with the sink, the Conversions team were able to resolve the matter within 48 hours.

Delivery and positioning of a containerised laboratory using a crane lorry, showing a green converted shipping container with windows and HVAC unit being guided into place by engineers during on-site installation.

What the Customer Had to Say

“Now that we have the unit in hand, we have a blueprint that we can use in the future for our next set of container laboratories. As we start to understand exactly what will be used within the structure, we have discovered minor tweaks and changes, but this was something that the S Jones Conversions team said would happen during the design process.

Overall, we’re thrilled with our container laboratory that will hopefully assist in our journey to creating a natural source of vital nutrients that can help the agricultural industry move away from synthetic alternatives. When we make the jump and commission our next unit, we’ll be returning to S Jones Containers for their help and expertise.

Lucy Bell-Reeves, Lead Project Manager

NPK recovery laboratory container installed on a customer site, showing a green converted shipping container alongside external urinal units, with people reviewing the installation and discussing the setup outside the building.

Need a Mobile, Containerised Laboratory for Research or Process Development?

We design and deliver bespoke container laboratories that support applied research, pilot projects, and innovative R&D. Engineered for mobility and controlled working conditions, our container conversions enable organisations to take laboratory capability directly to where it’s needed.

Learn more about our container conversion capabilities or contact us today to discuss your project.