Blackmore introduces Plant-It-Friendly Program to cut plastic waste in horticulture

USA – Blackmore Company has introduced Plant-It-Friendly, a retail program designed to eliminate up to 95% of plastic use, offering a paper-based alternative to traditional pots and tags.

The Environmental Protection Agency reports that nearly 350 million pounds of plastic containers are discarded annually in the United States, with only 3.9% recycled.

Recognizing the severity of the issue, Blackmore is taking a stand. “There is too much re-potting, discarded tags, and plastic pots,” said Mads Jensen of Blackmore. “The Plant-It-Friendly retail program eliminates up to 95% plastic at retail. No need for plastic pots or tags.”

This innovative solution automates the packing of plants and the printing of tags and labels while lowering costs, labor demands, and the industry’s carbon footprint. Jensen emphasized the benefits for both growers and retailers: “Plant-It-Friendly increases the dollar per square foot in retail as well as profits.”

The program also addresses concerns about plant quality and consumer experience. According to Jensen, “The retail sleeve solves all these problems. No need to order tags, having to repot, or use a plastic pot that will likely end up in the landfill.”

Blackmore partnered with Schur, a global leader in packaging, to develop its retail sleeve. The sleeve has undergone rigorous testing to ensure durability and effectiveness.

“Questions like ‘Will the print fade?’ and ‘Will this hold up at retail?’ have been addressed,” Jensen noted. “The retail sleeve is UV resistant to prevent fading and holds up to 15 weeks on the shelf. The padlock design makes it easy to open and close, giving it the ability to drain like any ordinary pot.”

Plant-It-Friendly is part of Blackmore’s Air Tray Technologies™, which supports air pruning to enhance plant health and streamline operations. “Labor is your most important asset, so don’t waste it,” Jensen stressed.

Air Trays™ allow one person to move up to 400 one-gallon plant equivalents at a time, depending on fork length.

These trays are compatible with Air Tray Racks™, which simplify transport and reduce manual labor. “With Air Trays™, you get air root pruning, automation compatibility, and faster transplanting,” Jensen explained.

Blackmore and Schur are nearing the launch of a 100% plastic-free retail solution, signaling their ongoing commitment to sustainability.

To explore Plant-It-Friendly and Air Tray Technologies™, visit Blackmore at TPIE Booth #1163 and IPM Hall Galleria #GA02.

As Jensen concluded, “This is enough. The time has come for change in how we approach retailing plants.”

 

Newer Post

Thumbnail for Blackmore introduces Plant-It-Friendly Program to cut plastic waste in horticulture

Russia’s Sverdlovsk region imports 1.4M flowers in January amid tightened controls

Older Post

Thumbnail for Blackmore introduces Plant-It-Friendly Program to cut plastic waste in horticulture

Foreign competitors gain ground amid Spanish citrus woes

Be the first to leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *