Biodegradable growbags

Recyclable packaging

By 2024 we will ensure that our packaging is recyclable. However, recyclable packaging need fully developed recycling systems. Recycling systems varies  in countries. To solve this problem Kekkilä-BVB has decided to use biodegradable material. These will be used in exceptional situations such as this one. In countries where recycling systems are lacking packaging waste often finds its way to nature. There, packaging waste is polluting the environment. Biodegradable plastic will, in these cases, result in a lower risk of harmful consequences. Even though a higher environmental footprint is seen. 

Tests with biodegradable material
Currently, we are running tests with biodegradable material. BU Professional Growing is responsible for these tests. What we are trying, is to see if it matters if the plastic and the substrate are separated or not. If not separated it can result in litter. Tests will show if biodegradable packaging can be a solution in this case. This way we tackle the negative impact of littering. It is important to follow how biodegradable foils will behave during production. Results so far has been very promising.

Our results on biodegradable foils

Kekkilä-BVB is currently running tests with biodegradable material. Material used in the packaging of grow bags. BU Professional Growing is responsible for these tests. It is seen that  plastic and substrate are often not separated, a  which can result in litter. The tests we are running is to see if biodegradable packaging material can be the solution. It is important to see how biodegradable foils would behave during production. The results have been very promising.

Degrading in the right temperature
These tests are done at our industrial composting plant in Teuva. In tests biodegradable plastic show no effect on production. Production can be runned as fast as normal plastic. The sealings are good and it is not degrading too fast at the grower, not even in so called hot climate conditions. Plastic will degrade (degrading 100 % to CO2, water and humus) in the right conditions within less than one year. The colors used for printing are also done from degradable material. During our test we have used 0,05 mm, 0,08 mm and 0,1 mm thick layers. After a year, hardly any 0,05 mm layers was found. There were also very small amounts of 0,08 mm layer left. The 0,1 mm layer was partly left but it had become very brittle. It was also breaking down in pieces very easily.

Questions about our Green growth and recycling? Contact Product Manager, Kari Silokangas