Research into reducing plastic use in cultivation and trade

Greenport Boskoop, Telermaat, Griffioen Wassenaar and Bremmer Boomkwekerijen are investigating how the Dutch tree nursery sector can become less dependent on plastics. The research focuses on biobased pots, reusable cultivation trays, sustainable alternatives to wrapping films, and revised procurement rules. The innovation project Duurzame TuinbouwKetens runs for two years and is funded by the European Union.

In the Boskoop region, millions of kilograms of plastic pots, trays and films are used each year. The aim of the research is to demonstrate that it is possible to significantly reduce this stream without compromising quality, logistical efficiency or market acceptance. According to the project partners, collaboration across the entire supply chain is essential. Previous isolated initiatives often failed when other links in the chain did not move along.

The project therefore takes an integrated approach in which growers, municipalities, retailers and logistics parties work together from the outset on new standards for sustainable packaging. The project runs until 2027. During this period, biobased pots will be tested in practice, reusable cultivation trays will be introduced at nurseries, and sustainable films will be applied in logistical processes.

Project leaders Matthijs Plas and Hilde Beugelink of Greenport Boskoop say: “Sustainability can only succeed if the entire chain moves together: from grower to retailer and from municipality to consumer. In this project, we bring all these parties together. By testing in practice, we make sustainable innovations tangible, measurable and scalable. In this way, we build solutions that are immediately applicable both at the nursery and in the market.”

The Duurzame TuinbouwKetens project is co-funded by the European Union and the Province of South Holland.

For more information:
Greenport Boskoop
www.greenportboskoop.nl