More environmentally friendly pots replace black plastic containers
Any attempt to cut the use of plastic in gardens is to be applauded, and Hillier Nurseries is pushing the timescale to speed up the introduction of recyclable plant pots.
Plans announced in August to introduce the first kerbside recyclable plant pots in 2019 replaced old black plastic pots. Hillier Nurseries in Hampshire took delivery of their first recyclable pots at the end of last month. This makes it the first UK nursery to grow a commercially potted crop in a recyclable pot.
Look out for the new taupe recyclable plant pot, used across the Hillier wholesale nursery business. Say goodbye to the old black plastic pot! Of course, Hillier is not alone in trying to phase out plastic plant pots. Read more about Recycled, recyclable and bio pots from Garland.
Chris Francis, Hillier Garden Centres and Wholesale Nurseries director, said: “It’s a real breakthrough in the industry. We are delighted to be leading the way as the first UK nursery to commercially use the new taupe recyclable pot.
Recyclable plant pots – ‘Sustainable solutions to global issues’
“Hillier has always been a pioneer within horticulture, and the introduction of the new kerbside recyclable plant pot throughout our nurseries will have a considerable impact as we forge ahead towards finding sustainable solutions to this global issue.”
At the moment, 76 per cent of councils collect pots, tubs and trays as part of their kerbside recycling schemes, but not many collect black plant pots. This is because the pots contain carbon black pigment, which absorbs infrared from detection systems, hindering recycling. The new pot will use carbon black pigment-free polypropylene, solving this problem.
For more information on the new pots and the Hillier plant range, visit www.hillier.co.uk.
