Grodan experiments with recycled plastic in foils

What do the trials look like?

Ruthenberg: "We started running the trials two years ago when we decided to explore, together with our film suppliers, the possibilities of using recycled plastic in our materials. Our films consist of three layers and for the trial the middle layer was completely made with recycled material. We started by testing these products with one customer. Now, two years later, five growers have the product in their greenhouses and the results are promising."

What are the first results?

"Growers see no difference. The films look the same, and the functioning and cultivation results are the same as the current product. Yet the positive effect on the environment is large. By growing more sustainably, growers contribute to a better environment and are preparing for the future. Grodan wants to go along with this and expects growers to embrace this as well."

Why are these recycling tests done?

"There is increasing attention towards the recycling of plastic. The EU is working hard to encourage companies to use recyclable packaging materials. Although it is not yet mandatory for us to use recycled plastic in our products, we want to investigate what is possible within our industry and do our part. We should all do something for the environment, for a healthier planet and to prepare for the future. That is why we have started testing the use of recycled materials in our products."

Is the use of a layer of recycled plastic in your films the highest attainable?

"At the moment, yes. We are constantly innovating and always looking for new developments in this area. For example, we are also conducting tests where we replace a part of the outer layer of the foils around our substrates with recycled plastic. Unfortunately, this material is not yet of the desired quality. On one hand, we want to continue offering a good, high-quality product to our growers, whilst the delivery speed, UV resistance, and quality of the mats are guaranteed. On the other hand, we are continuously looking for sustainable solutions to make our growing media are also future-proof. As an organization, we are constantly looking for a good balance. I hope that we can continue to increase the percentage of recycled plastic in the future, and do so under the right conditions."

What do you think the ideal future looks like for greenhouses?

"Since the results of the trials are so promising, I would like to continue with them. My goal is to provide all of our products with recycled plastic. Customers request a lower amount of packaging, but many do not know that we are also working to make the product itself more sustainable. Therefore, I want to share these results and take this to the next level on a larger scale. I hope that we can quickly implement this step towards sustainability worldwide. In any case, Grodan will do everything we can do to produce the most sustainable growing media with the most sustainable packaging film for our customers."

Source and All Photo Courtesy of Grodan

Source: Grodan