Bark

Bark is a residual product from the timber industry. It is often used a mulch and a raw material for substrates.

We use bark that comes in a various fractions, ranging from fine to coarse. Depending on which fraction is used, the bark will hold more or less water. The coarser the fraction, the lighter and airier the structure of the bark. Bark has a positive effect on the susceptibility of the substrate to shrinkage. It is stable, not susceptible to shrinkage and adds stability and structure to substrates. Bark is often the main component in substrates used for orchids. However, it is also increasingly being used in regular substrates for segments including tree nurseries and pot plants.

At Lensli, we use specially selected barks from Europe, including the Pinus pinaster. Some of the bark processed into substrate at Lensli is sourced from suppliers with the FSC quality label. Sourcing from FSC-certified suppliers helps protect irreplaceable forests for future generations and is one of the ways we contribute to increasing the sustainability of the substrates used in horticulture. At Lensli, we have our own bark production site in Sweden and regular sources of bark in Portugal and Spain.

The bark is harvested from the tree, shredded and screened in the country of origin. Processing separates and removes the coarse fragments, twigs and white wood. The bark is then transported to our factory site in Bleiswijk for further processing. Some of the bark is sieved again in our vibrating screen unit until the required fraction size is obtained. Other bark is screened into certain fractions in the country of origin and used directly. Coarse bark from Portugal and Spain is also treated with steam to ensure compliance with the applicable export regulations.