Sustainability efforts in the green industry include trying to find alternatives to plastic pots. There are several companies leading the sustainability charge, including East Jordan Plastics (EJP), Blackmore Company, Pöppelmann TEKU, Rootmaker, Van Belle Nursery and HC Companies.

Annually, these companies are working on producing recycled plastic from used horticultural containers and household waste,  shipping products using plastic-free retail sleeves, and developing products from natural-fiber biodegradable pots and compostable plastic.

Compostable plastic is defined as plastic that can degrade into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass which leave no toxic residue. Compostable plastic items are identified using the “#7 PLA” symbol, a certification from the Biodegradable Products Institute, and/or the label “compostable”.

Starch-based compostable plastics are derived from maize, wheat, potato and cassava, including thermoplastic starch (TPS), which is created from corn starch and glycerol. TPS can also be used as a plastic mulch substitute and an alternative to petroleum-based plastic packaging.

Companies producing natural-fiber biodegradable plant pots and packaging rely on cardboard, coconut coir, cow manure (cowpots) and wood pulp as their primary raw materials.

Photocredits: UGA

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