THE CHALLENGE for the next generation

What are you proud of when it comes to the recycling program at Grodan?

"Grodan is a global company; we currently have a near 100% recycling rate in western Europe, where our products are remanufactured into bricks. In North America, we send about 10,000 tons per year to the compost sector. Our Brick Re-Manufacturing Program in the EU - NWE Recycling Program - is a tremendous success with a near 100% participation and recycling rate. I think the reason that is has been so successful is that all the major stakeholders in the agricultural sector work collaboratively throughout all stages of the recycling process. This includes: Grodan as the growing media manufacturer, the growers themselves, recyclers, brick manufacturers as purchasers of the recycled products, and the regulators. They all work together and bring in resources to build a sustainable recycling infrastructure."

What are the current challenges of Grodan when it comes to recycling?

"In North America, our biggest challenge is logistics. There is not a one size fits all solution. Because we are operating in a very large region, we have undertaken a "regional" or "localized" approach. This means, we identify stakeholders throughout our major markets and work with them to bring recycling platforms together. Because each market is different in terms of size, stakeholders, and demand; each recycling platform is unique and presents its own obstacles."

What are the biggest innovations in North America from recycled materials?

"Grodan's EU manufacturing facilities are currently performing different tests to find out how we can best re-utilize stone wool growing media. At Grodan's research and development department we are working on several highly innovating projects. One of them is a 'take back' pilot at manufacturing facilities in Europe. Grodan is currently testing quality specifications of used materials to be used as feedstock in complement with the raw materials. When completed, this project will offer a completely circular or "cradle to cradle" approach for recycling."

What are the major threats to achieving a circular economy within your sector?

"The circular economy is a business model where each chain in a product's lifecycle is interlinked. Each stakeholder must be on-board, collaborate, and contribute resources to make the system work. This means that the model is sensitive to shifts in the market and in demand. When one of these links goes away the entire infrastructure may fall.

This is what occurred in the residential and commercial recycling industry a few years ago. The US and the EU were dependent on sending a large portion of its low value and commingled plastic waste streams to Asia. In response, China placed a ban on importing the materials, an act known as "National Sword." Additional countries throughout eastern Asia soon followed, and the recycling sector suddenly faced a new challenge; large volumes of low value products with no markets to take them - complete market saturation."

What will the industry look like in ten years' time?

"I believe the cultivation sector will shift its focus to how it will affect "local ecosystems". Closed loop water collection & re-use systems and biological treatments will be critical in preventing water and nutrient runoff to local environments. These systems will recycle water resources, prevent eutrophication, and protect local aquatic biodiversity. At the same time, the decreased fertilizer consumption will reduce the industry's environmental footprint by limiting Nitrogen emissions (N₂O,NH₃, NO_X). Growing media like stone wool will play a critical role in the successful creation of these local closed loop systems."

What, do you think, are realistic goals for 2050 with so many people to feed globally?

"Reality in 2050 will see several challenges that we have to prepare for today. The growth of the worldwide population (the UN est. 9.8 billion by 2050) and rising urbanization (70% of citizens worldwide by 2030) will put pressure on the demand for goods, food, and water. While a decrease in arable land and an increase in water scarcity will limit the resources to match them. We here at Grodan truly believe this is THE CHALLENGE for the next generation and we want to help lead the endeavour for a solution. That is why we place such great emphasis on water conservation technologies and sustainable growing methods."

Source and Photo Courtesy of Grodan

Source: Grodan