SUSTAINABILITY

During the winter, we are compelled to carry the plants through the dark period using both heat and light.

Heat: In 2023-24, we anticipate investing in a large electric kettle that can cover the bottom of our heating needs, thereby working to reduce fossil fuels. The remaining heating demand is met by the best alternative available today, namely natural/bio-gas. By 2025, it also seems that district heating (biomass) will reach us, and that will undoubtedly be a promising opportunity to have nearly fossil-free heating at that time.

Furthermore, our greenhouse is insulated to the maximum extent possible, where, for instance, we use channel panels instead of glass where it makes sense, and we have invested in the most modern curtain systems within today’s high-tech greenhouses.

Light: We use both standard electronic fixtures and LED lights. In both cases, they are all of the latest and most advanced kind, making them the most energy-efficient devices on the market. We’ve saved so much electricity in this regard that we can now use the surplus power for the aforementioned electric kettle. Additionally, all of our electricity is naturally certified as green wind energy.

To enhance photosynthesis, CO2 is supplied in the greenhouses, especially during the dark and cold periods. Currently, it is supplied using natural gas. However, with the evident excess of it outdoors, we are now exploring options for either CO2 capture or the delivery of captured CO2. In this way, we might even become CO2 negative in the end.

We use one of the most modern control systems available in the industry. And that is not insignificant. This means, that we have the tools necessary to implement new green and sustainable initiatives, such as light control.

Almost all waste at the horticulture is recycled or sorted in some form. Here’s a small selection: combustible waste, cardboard, plastic, compost, paper, glass, iron, aluminum, electronics, batteries, lamps, bulbs, lubricating oils, etc. We have a significant amount of compost as we trim most of what we produce. In 2023, we are engaging in highly interesting partnerships with other companies where our compost can be incorporated into a new product.

We monitor yield loss on a weekly basis and remain below the industry standard with a yield loss rate of approximately 6%. Once again, we are engaged in numerous exciting partnerships with other companies where our green yield loss can contribute to new collaborative products. Sustainability in the future is unattainable without managing yield loss. Achieving 0% yield loss is probably unrealistic, but we aim to get as close as possible.

We use packaging that minimally impacts the environment and is also thoroughly thought out, allowing us to minimize food waste both on our end, in stores, and at the end consumer’s home.

Plant Pots: For many years, we have saved the environment from an immense amount of plastic by consistently cultivating all our products in compostable jiffy pots. While many of our colleagues promote pots made from recycled plastic, it can never match the advantage of having no plastic at all. Of course, customers might have other preferences, such as opting for delivery in paper pots, and we accommodate those requests as well.

Plastic Bags: Our bags are made from 100% recycled CPP, approved for food contact.

Plastic Labels: Our labels are made from recycled PET, which is a clever choice, especially when applied to our other plastic trays also made from recycled PET. This approach helps us avoid material pollution, and the ENTIRE packaging solution is 100% recyclable. Moreover, PET is simply the most recyclable plastic material available in today’s market.

Plastic Trays: Our plastic trays are made from recycled PET, approved for food contact.

Cardboard Boxes: Our cardboard comes from FSC-certified forestry, and we use a specific type that contains the highest possible amount of recycled fibers while still enduring cold storage. Additionally, we hardly use printed colors (and those that are used are the least harmful), but rather the natural color of the cardboard/fibers, which is brown. The color we use also helps us save the environment from using labels or ink solutions since all text on the cardboard box is laser-engraved into the side of the box. Furthermore, wherever possible, we use either Europool or Swedish Return System recycled plastic crates, which has also saved tons of paper throughout the years.

For many years, we have taken note that what happens in nature must be a quite thoroughly tested and intelligent concept. Therefore, we try to replicate nature as much as possible within our own little climate shield. As a result, we simulate the blowing of the wind, lower the temperature when the plants need to rest, and generally let the plants grow at their very own pace without pushing them forward. This approach has yielded products that easily stand up to comparison in terms of parameters like taste, color, and shelf life.