Greenwood Plants on target to be peat-free by end of 2023

Through the course of this year, Greenwood Plants has introduced many new pioneering sustainable practices, which will contribute to its long-term goal of reaching Net Zero and play a part in positively impacting climate change. This includes using resources efficiently, reducing waste, supporting biodiversity, and aiming to become carbon neutral. 

One of Greenwood’s greatest commitments is to transition to 100% peat-free growing media by the end of 2023, ahead of anticipated industry regulation to prohibit the use of peat for commercial growers. Greenwood has been carrying out extensive trials since early 2022 and is making excellent headway towards its goal, as one in four plants at Greenwood is now potted in peat-free growing media, across its nurseries. Greenwood’s trials involve exploring new types of growing media to support its annual production of more than six million plants. The trials allow the production team to tweak the composition to get the pH and nutrient levels and structure right, as well as alter the irrigation programmes. 

“Achieving sustainability leadership is a major focus for us”, says Managing Director, Glenn Devenish. “To help us achieve this vision, we are committed to growing in the greenest way possible by stopping the use of peat, becoming fully carbon neutral, and being an active stakeholder in local communities and environments.” 

The increase in peat-free growing media covers all areas of the business, such as its new contract growing programme “Watch It Grow”, that is now offered fully peat-free, and its new trade sales centre, Greenwood Choice, that has its own dedicated peat-free area to display the high-quality offering to clients who visit. This area will be expanding in the new year. 

The environmental benefits of growing in peat-free compost, such as an improved carbon footprint, can be passed onto the whole supply chain. Whilst peat is an excellent growing medium, its harvesting process releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which has an adverse effect on greenhouse gas levels and contributes to climate change. Scientists also see the importance and fragility of peatlands to be equal to that of rainforests; there are major concerns and peatlands need to be protected. Transitioning to peat-free is a huge undertaking, but Greenwood has risen to the challenge and is excited to reach its goal in 2023.  

If you’d like to find out more about Greenwood’s sustainability and community efforts, visit our sustainability page.