Fiber planting containers aid your environmental efforts

Fiber planting containers are growing in popularity – spurred on by our societies continued education and understanding of global warming.

In a recent Nielsen Company survey, conducted in October of 2018, 81 percent of global consumers said it was extremely important or very important for companies to roll-out initiatives to improve the environment.

Moreover, 73 percent of respondents said they would change their own consumption habits in order to improve the environment – with 38 percent saying they would even pay higher-than-average prices for products that are produced with sustainable materials.

For the grower, this is an opportunity to bring your plants full circle under the scrutiny of consumers by utilizing and marketing a series of sustainable fiber planting containers that are also certified for organic farming (EcoGrow® only). This provides those individuals who are predominantly more environmentally conscious with choices, thus securing them as a customer rather than surrendering them to the competition who already has such environmental options in their arsenal.

Organic herbs and vegetables such as mint and basil or peas and tomatoes are planted in an environmentally friendly container for sale to the consumer. Many often breathe like a clay pot would, but instead of extracting water from the plant based on their composition, these sustainable fiber planting containers help retain water creating an optimal environment for root system development.

But perhaps best of all, when the consumer arrives home and ready to plant their new purchases in free-standing gardens, patio containers or deck-rail boxes, the entire sustainable container can be planted directly into the ground. Overall, you’ve limited the waste heading out to landfills and saved the consumer time, while satisfying their need to feel as though they’ve just done something good for the environment.

Fiber containers are not equal

But be aware that NOT all sustainable fiber planting containers are created equal. Here are some things to look for before making a purchase for your growing facility.

• Are they certified for organic farming by a legitimate governing body? And don’t be afraid to ask to see the official documentation. If they’re unwilling to show you, they probably aren’t.
• How are they produced? Some “environmentally friendly” containers actually expose more harmful toxins into the environment during production than some traditional plastic containers. If they say they’re produced in a water recycling facility thereby eliminating wastewater discharge, that’s a good sign.
• What materials are the containers made out of? There’s a science behind making a sustainable fiber container for strength and durability. While they might all look the same on the outside, some companies add hardening agents (that are not biodegradable) in order to achieve that strength. Look for products that are molded using recycled newspaper, a plant-based binding agent and water. That’s it!

Today’s consumers (world-wide) are demanding more organic and sustainable solutions beyond just in the foods they eat. When they put a plant in the ground, they want to know that they’re making a difference – no matter how great or how small – it all has an impact.

Sustainable fiber planting containers are the full circle solution for growers and gardeners. Do your homework before making a purchase and you’ll be doing your part to help battle global warming.

Our environmentally friendly options

• EcoGrow® products are molded using recycled newspaper and a plant-based binding agent in a closed-loop water recycling facility, thereby eliminating wastewater discharge. They breathe like clay, providing an optimal environment for root systems and biodegrade quickly when planted or worked into the soil. EcoGrow containers have been certified for organic farming and gardening* in both the United States and Canada according to NOP Regulation.
• FiberGrow® products are molded using a slurry of fibers and binding agents in order to increase their strength and durability in such applications as planters, hanging baskets and other large containers. Available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and styles, FiberGrow products also help insulate root systems to help protect them in fluctuating temperatures. NOTE – these containers are not fully biodegradable.

*select containers only