NORWAY – Mester Grønn, a wholly owned flower chain has partnered with Stora Enso has partnered to develop a new plastic-free transportation tray for its plants.

The new PureFiber™ Horti tray is made from formed fiber and reduces CO2 emissions compared to the plastic alternatives. Mester Grønn is hoping that the new tray will have a positive effect on the overall environmental impact of the entire industry.

The solution is claimed to minimize carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80% when compared with conventional plastic alternatives.

Stora developed the plastic-free tray based on three main criteria provided by Mester, which currently has more than 143 flower shops across Norway.

The first criteria required Stora to ensure that the tray is capable of retaining its rigidity in both dry and humid conditions.

Mester’s second criterion was to meet current industry standards in order to effectively integrate into the existing logistical chain.

The last requirement was to ensure that the new tray could withstand exposure to water.

To meet these requirements, Stora recommended the use of its PureFiber solution, which is a moulded fiber material used for manufacturing different shapes.

The flower retailer selected Stora’s PureFiber Horti tray solution after completing an extensive three-year-long prototype and testing process.

Mester CEO Erling J Ølstad said: “We need to become greener; we are representing a green industry so we can’t be playing against nature, we have to be on the same team.”

The work is in line with Mester’s ambition to replace single-use plastic throughout the flower industry’s supply chain, for instance, in the trays used for transporting plants from growers to flower shops.

Mester Marketing team member Mari Bøhm Telle added: “We are very happy about the results. It could make a difference for the whole flower industry in Europe, that’s what we are hoping for!”

The new deal comes at a time when the movement to reduce or eliminate plastic use in horticulture is gaining momentum, and growers could one day feel the impact of the fallout.

While these products make producing plants easier and more economical, the reality is that expended plastics have become an environmental challenge.

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