The knowledge session about circular raw materials

Added on 07 March 2025

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The knowledge session about circular raw materials

Photo: Van der Knaap Group

On Thursday, February 27, Van der Knaap Group organised a knowledge session on the developments in the field of circular and renewable raw materials. The attendees were updated by three expert speakers on the latest developments in the field of circular and renewable raw materials.

Opportunity or threat
Rob Veenman, chairman of the day, opened the meeting with the question “Do you see peat-free cultivation as an opportunity or a threat?”. The opinions of the growers present were divided. While some see opportunities to make the cultivation more sustainable, others doubt whether they can sufficiently guarantee quality. However, they do feel supported by the substrate suppliers: “We are looking for solutions together.”

Challenges
The VPN (association of potting soil and substrate manufacturers Netherlands) represents seventeen companies that collectively produce about eight million m³ of substrate per year. Peat is by far the most important raw material, because of its cultivation properties.