Imagine walking past a high-end perfume counter and catching a hint of pine. Now imagine that scent once lurked in the depths of a sewer, part of a monstrous, congealed mass of waste. It sounds bizarre, but thanks to cutting-edge bioengineering, this strange alchemy is becoming a reality.
Fatbergs – those revolting, rock-hard sewer blockages made of congealed fat, oil and toilet waste – are now being turned into fragrant chemicals. According to a recent BBC article, researchers in an Edinburgh lab have found a way to break down fatbergs using bacteria, transforming them into valuable perfume ingredients. It’s a process that has intrigued scientists and industry alike, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-derived chemicals.
A Stinking Problem with a Sweet Solution
Professor Stephen Wallace, a bioengineer at the University of Edinburgh, is leading the charge in this unusual transformation. Fatbergs arrive at his lab in tubes, freshly fished from sewers by companies that normally convert them into biofuels. After sterilisation, they are introduced to genetically modified bacteria, which consume the waste and produce a pine-scented chemical – a far cry from the foul-smelling sludge they started as.
The innovation has caught the attention of perfume manufacturers keen to move away from petrochemical-based ingredients. And it’s not just perfume – bioengineering is rapidly expanding, finding ways to turn other forms of waste into useful, sustainable products.
Britain’s Bioengineering Boom – and the Battle to Keep It
This strange but brilliant science is part of a broader bioengineering revolution. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh are also developing microbes that break down plastic into vanilla essence, extract precious metals from spent batteries, and even turn whisky waste into plant-based omega-3 supplements. The potential is vast, but the UK faces challenges in keeping up with global competitors.
Despite early leadership in bioengineering, Britain risks losing ground to countries like the US and South Korea due to funding shortfalls and slow policy implementation. The House of Lords recently warned that without stronger investment, Britain’s pioneering work in this field could be bought up by overseas companies, much like previous breakthroughs in computing and biosciences.
From Sewers to Science – and Drainfast’s Own Innovations
While Drainfast isn’t turning fatbergs into perfume just yet, we are enthusiastic about all things drainage. Not content to be just another drainage products supplier, we lead the way in innovation that makes real-life improvements to drainage and groundwork projects.
We also enjoy discovering and sharing quirky stories about the seemingly mundane world of drains. If you’ve enjoyed this strange-but-true drainage story, why not explore more oddities on our website? From the world’s most beautiful manhole covers to a Victorian Pumping Palace, Drainfast brings you the unexpected side of drainage. And while you’re there, don’t forget to browse our extensive range of drainage products—perhaps not as glamorous as perfume, but certainly more practical!
Source: Fatbergs turned into perfume - inside Britain's bizarre new industrial revolution; BBC, 15 January 2025 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz6pje1z5dqo)
Written by
Vicki James
Sales & Marketing Coordinator
Vicki is a vital part of the marketing team; from reporting to copywriting, she ensures we complete projects on time.
