The Dutch potting mix and substrate industry is working on a Life Cycle Analysis for substrates. In order to compare the value and environmental impact of peat and alternatives objectively.
The president of the Dutch Potting Soil and Substrate Manufacturers Association (VPN), Ted Vollebregt, revealed this in an interview with Floribusiness. The association has examined peat alternatives for their degree of sustainability.
Currently, it is working on a LCA, a Life Cycle Analysis, for raw materials that are used in the production of potting mix and substrates. ’Is the LCA value of an alternative substantially better than the LCA of peat? It has to be proven first’, says Vollebregt.
The Dutch association is hoping that LCA can be used for the industry, at the end of this year and throughout Europe. ’We coordinate this with Growing Media Europe.’
How sustainable is peat? How fast is peat reduction going in the Netherlands, with an ornamental industry growing mostly for export to other countries? Read all about this in the newest Floribusiness magazine. No free subscription? Click here and get immediate access!
Photo by Arno Engels
