Europe’s growing media industry is in the process of transition. There’s an overall consensus that companies need to accelerate the use of renewable raw materials, reuse substrates and enable responsible peat extraction. Growing media manufacturer and supplier Klasmann-Deilmann is investing in new production facilities, resources and R&D.
Last year, Klasmann-Deilmann used more than 900,000 m³ of alternative raw materials in growing media worldwide. In particular, GreenFibre® wood fibre, TerrAktiv® green compost, perlite, bark, coco materials, and the first newly developed constituents.
The company’s strategy is to steadily increase these volumes in the coming years. By the end of 2025, 30% of its international annual production should consist of alternative substrate components. To this end, Klasmann-Deilmann is securing new raw material resources, modernising its factories and optimising storage space.
Meanwhile European partnerships are a work in progress. One example is the joint venture with Olde Bolhaar Eco Service, which specialises in wood raw materials and compost and thus contributes to securing resources.
IPM ESSEN 2024
Klasmann-Deilmann will be exhibiting at IPM 2024, Hall 2.0, Stand D17.
On display will be substrate solutions from the new ‘ADVANC’D Substrates’ product line. These are based on a proportion of 40 to 100 per cent alternative raw materials and cause 20 per cent to 80 per cent fewer emissions. Staff will also demonstrate tried-and-tested substrate solutions for soft fruit, bedding, and pot plants such as poinsettia and cyclamen.
In addition to reduced proportions of peat from responsibly managed, RPP-certified sources, the company relies on renewable raw materials from natural material cycles, such as wood, green compost, cocos, and bark. As some raw materials are lighter, CO2 emissions can be reduced by optimising the load during transport. This also represents tangible progress in terms of climate protection and the carbon footprint of horticultural businesses.
Klasmann-Deilmann has direct and exclusive access to coco raw materials in India and Sri Lanka and two production sites. This means that a complete portfolio of Coco products is available. Compressed 5 kg blocks, easy-fill open bags, and planter blocks in different dimensions are also available in addition to our coco grow bags. In addition to growing media, new specialised product solutions are also available from a single source, Klasmann-Deilmann.
Nygaia: The substrate of the future
Nygaia is touted as the substrate of the future, developed in association with Maan Biobased Products. Nygaia’s fibre consist of 60 per cent natural, bio-based raw materials that are completely biodegradable, meaning they produce no waste or microplastics.
Nygaia is inert, salt-free and has a remarkable water retention capacity. In addition, it offers an excellent air capacity that optimally supports healthy root growth. Klasmann-Deilmann says the substrate is suited for cultivating leafy vegetables in hydroponics and vertical growing systems.
The Growcoon
The Growcoon is a new propagation system for many crops and applications in trays. Klasmann-Deilmann is also presenting the Growcoon at IPM as a potless cultivation solution to reduce plastic waste in the nursery. In addition to the small plugs for propagation trays, Growcoon is also available in larger sizes and is also suitable for growing bedding plants or perennials in small pots and even for potted herbs in 1-litre pots. This means that the plants can be sold and planted directly together with the Growcoon without removing and disposing of the plastic pots.
The Growcoon is a fully biodegradable new growing solution with an open mesh structure based on polymer technology, and it can be used with automatic dispenser systems.
