Horticulture sector focuses on material reduction and sustainable growing media

In the horticulture sector, new developments are addressing material sustainability and environmental impact. Amevo, in collaboration with Modiform, has developed a patented lightweight orchid pot made from recycled polypropylene. Weighing approximately 12 grams, the pot uses about 30% less plastic than traditional 17-gram injection-molded pots. For large-scale growers producing one million plants annually, this can result in a saving of roughly 5,000 kilograms of plastic per year.

Separately, research from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) indicates that a lower CO2 footprint in growing media does not inherently guarantee a lower overall environmental impact. By analyzing twelve raw materials and thirty growing media mixtures through life cycle assessments, researchers found that replacing peat with alternatives like coconut fiber can shift environmental burdens. While coconut fiber may have a lower climate impact, its production, processing, and transport to Europe can increase acidification, nutrient loading, and air pollution. The study suggests that a material with a better 'green' reputation may not always be the most sustainable choice when considering all environmental factors.