In the Lensli Academy we regularly inform you about practical situations that we encounter in the sector, we talk about insights gained in practice, we give you cultivation tips and we share our knowledge about other interesting substrate-related matters.
Academy – RPP-Veen
De Responsibly Produced Peat Foundation is a European quality mark for responsible peat extraction. The purpose of RPP certification is to ensure that peat (peat) used in substrate comes from responsible sources.
Various international stakeholders are involved in the foundation, such as scientists, environmental movements, peat producers and substrate producers.
The RPP foundation has three specific goals that certified companies must adhere to when producing and using peat:
- No peat production in (peat) areas with high nature value,
- Restoration of the peat area after production,
- Long-term availability of peat as a raw material for the horticultural sector
Lensli makes sustainability concrete
Already in 2016, our own peat farm in Sweden, Hörle Torv AB, was certified for RPP. This means that the peat from our peat farm is produced responsibly in accordance with strict criteria regarding legislation, the selection of extraction locations, peat extraction and the destination after use.
Because we have purchased at least 2018 percent of all the peat that we process in our substrates from RPP-certified peat locations since 50, we also have the approval of the RPP label on our end products. Substrate with the RPP label contains peat that has been responsibly extracted with respect for nature and good aftercare for the peat area.
Agreement on the environmental impact of potting soil and substrates
The covenant that was agreed on November 18, 2022 also sets objectives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of potting soil and substrates and sets out rules regarding the use and deployment of (responsible) peat.
The aim of the agreement is to reduce the environmental impact of substrates in the chain. To achieve this reduction, efforts will be made, among other things, to encourage the use of renewable raw materials and the use of certified peat. In addition to the environmental impact, it also concerns nature restoration and biodiversity of peat areas.
Based on the agreed agreements and the set objectives, the share of responsible peat in our substrates will grow to at least eighty percent in the coming years. With this we are taking a major step in the field of corporate social responsibility, through sustainable substrate production with socially responsible raw materials.
What does this mean for the customer?
The use of our sustainable substrates not only reduces the environmental impact of our customers' products, but our customers are also able to contribute to further sustainability of the chain.
What does it mean for Lensli?
We are aware that peat is an important raw material in quality substrates for many growers and breeders thanks to its characteristic properties. That is why we find the use of responsible, RPP certified peat very important. In addition, we are actively looking for good alternatives and investigate the possibilities of renewable raw materials in our substrates together with our customers, independent knowledge centers and other relations. In addition to peat, we already use approximately thirty percent renewable raw materials in our substrates. These include tree bark, rice husks, wood fiber, coconut products and compost. The aim is to grow this percentage as much as possible in the coming years. We now also have a peat-free or peat-reduced reference substrate available for each cultivation segment, which can serve as a starting point in the development of a customized customer substrate.
Do you want to know more about this subject, do you need a sparring partner or do you have another substantive question? Please contact us at sales@lensli.com or call 088 – 22 44 800.
We are happy to serve you and are happy to assist you with our knowledge and experience.
Have Fun Growing!