Koppert Latest News: Vow To Make Their Packaging More Sustainable

Key Takeaways:

Sustainable Packaging Goals: Koppert evaluates its product packaging for sustainable, reusable, or recyclable alternatives.
Recognition for Innovation: The company’s product Mirical received an award for its innovative sustainable packaging.
Challenges with Plastic Use: The accumulation of Montdo Mite plastic buckets posed a significant challenge, leading to a search for sustainable solutions.
Collaborative Recycling Efforts: In partnership with growers and Houweling Group, Koppert implemented a successful plastic bucket recycling program.
Future Sustainability Commitments: Koppert aims to transition all product packaging to sustainable materials without compromising product integrity.

Koppert’s Path to Sustainability

Koppert Biological Systems, a company long dedicated to sustainable agriculture and horticulture, has announced a comprehensive review of its product packaging to identify more sustainable alternatives. This initiative is part of Koppert’s broader goal to enhance its sustainable packaging practices, acknowledging that while significant progress has been made, more efforts are required to achieve their objectives fully.

Achievements in Sustainable Packaging

Among Koppert’s successes is the innovation in packaging represented by its product Mirical, which recently won a prestigious award for sustainable packaging solutions. “Much still needs to be done for us to reach our sustainable packaging goals,” the company acknowledges, signaling an ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.

Addressing the Plastic Bucket Challenge

A notable issue Koppert addressed is the use of plastic buckets for its Montdo Mite product, essential for controlling pests like thrips and whitefly in greenhouses. The buckets, made of sturdy plastic, have accumulated in farm backyards, prompting action from Koppert. Project Manager Daan Verbeek recalls, “Growers were facing high costs to have the buckets removed and asked us how we could help to solve this problem.”

Innovative Recycling Solutions

The solution to the plastic bucket challenge emerged from collaboration with the KNL Chrysanthemum team and Houweling Group, focusing on a recycling program that is both sustainable and cost-effective. “All the growers have to do is to stack them neatly in rows in a special container that was supplied, and they are picked up by the manufacturer,” explains Verbeek. This initiative significantly increased the number of buckets recycled annually, with expectations to collect 80,000 buckets from growers this year.

Sustainable Packaging and Future Goals

Koppert Biological Systems remains dedicated to transitioning all its products into packaging that aligns with sustainability principles, emphasizing the importance of not compromising the quality and efficacy of the benefits. The company underlines the necessity of finding a balance between sustainability and product integrity, advocating for responsible plastic use and recycling as part of its commitment to environmental stewardship.