Biodegradable flower pots
Last decades lots of bio-based flower pots have been launched that were not economically successful. Now bio-composite flower pots for tree nurseries and raising flower have been developed that are cold soil biodegradable (within few months, plant adjustable) when placed in the ground that are integral price competitive within the total costs of ownership.
The Challenge
Over the past few decades, numerous attempts have been made to introduce bio-based flower pots to the market. However, these endeavors have unfortunately not yielded the desired economic success.
The Solution: Introducing Cold Soil Biodegradable Pots
In response to this challenge, a solution has been developed: cold soil biodegradable pots. These innovative bio-composite flower pots, specifically designed for tree nurseries and flower cultivation, have the unique characteristic of being able to biodegrade in cold soil conditions within just a few months. Moreover, they have been priced competitively, taking into account the overall costs of ownership.
The Composition of Bio-composites
The bio-composite material used in these pots is made from locally sourced agricultural waste fibers, such as pepper stems and grass, which are incorporated to reinforce the Solanyl/starch based bioplastics recipe. This sustainable approach not only ensures the eco-friendliness of the pots but also contributes to the utilization of agricultural by-products.
Testing and Validation
Extensive testing of these new bio-based flower pots has been conducted over the past two years at the prestigious HAS Institute in Den Bosch, The Netherlands, as well as at various tree nurseries and flower-growing companies. The practical validation has provided valuable insights into the performance and durability of the pots in real-world conditions.
Advantages of 100% Bio-based Flower Pots
The injection-molded 100% bio-based flower pots offer a range of benefits. Firstly, they promote better plant growth, leading to healthier and more vibrant flowers and trees. Additionally, their use results in a significant reduction in the need for fertilizers and soil improvers, contributing to the overall sustainability of horticultural practices.
In addition to their positive impact on plant growth, the use of these bio-based flower pots offers an environmental advantage. Unlike traditional oil-based containers, which contribute to plastic waste in the environment, these pots are made from sustainable materials. By choosing these eco-friendly alternatives, we can help reduce our ecological footprint and minimize the accumulation of plastic waste in our surroundings.
Apart from their ecological advantages, the implementation of these new bio-based pots brings other practical benefits. With less manual handling required, there is a reduction in labor costs, making the process more economical. Moreover, the hourly production rate during the planting of these pots in parks or gardens is increased, allowing for more efficient use of resources and time.
Successful Launch and Expansion
The initial production orders of these bio-based flower pots have been completed and delivered with outstanding results. This successful outcome validates our commitment to the bio-based business philosophy. We have embraced an open innovation model throughout the development process, driving collaboration and knowledge-sharing. As a result, any earlier versions of the pots that did not meet the necessary biodegradability standards were repurposed for civil engineering applications, such as bio-based guardrails and shore revetments.
Optimized Production Costs Through Diverse Applications
By concurrently developing different applications, including the flower pots and the infrastructure materials, we have achieved a significant optimization of production costs. The combined approach allowed for shared resources and knowledge, resulting in improved cost-effectiveness across the board.
Partners
Developed under the BBCT SME consortium:
Millvision B.V. The Netherlands | Leon Joore M.Sc. | welcome@millvision.eu | www.millvision.eu
Rodenburg Biopolymers| www.rodenburgbiopolymers.nl
Bato Plastics B.V.| www.batoplastics.nl