The specialization of Erdenwerk Kleeschulte in peat-free and peat-reduced soils and substrates is a business out of sustainable conviction. The tireless search for an environmentally friendly packaging solution is only logical. After intensive joint research with dy-pack Verpackungen GmbH from Wenden-Gerlingen, we, as a team, have created the first recyclable paper packaging, the ‘nature bag ‘for naturally moist soil.
Up to 1 million organisms bustle about in a teaspoon of soil and have an insatiable appetite. The microscopic creatures’ favorite food is paper due to the high polysaccharide content in the cellulose. Therefore, paper packaging seemed to be impossible for earthbags until now. After several years of intensive research, it has nevertheless been possible to develop a paper packaging for naturally moist soil. It can be fed into the recycling process via normal household paper waste. This was recently confirmed and certified by the cyclos-HTP institute, specialists in classifying, assessing, and testing the recyclability of packaging. The nature bag consists of 95% paper and is, therefore, fully recyclable.
With an excellent fiber yield, paper packaging is a valuable recycled raw material for pulp needed by the paper industry. Pulp is the fibrous mass produced during the chemical pulping of plant fibers, consisting mainly of cellulose.
The two family-owned companies, Kleeschulte Erden and dy-pack Verpackungen, combined their know-how in development: the knowledge of sustainable soils, paired with the experience and expertise in paper packaging. “Lengthy cooperative tests with different paper constructions led to the sought-after result. The new nature bag, containing the naturally moist soil, can be stored for three months without causing any deterioration. And we are continuing to work on extending the shelf life, “says Mariel Kleeschulte-Vrochte, Managing Director of Kleeschulte Erden. The new nature bag differs fundamentally from the Kleeschulte ‘Paper Bag’ introduced in 2020. The soil in the conventional ‚Paper Bag ‘had to be dried to prevent the paper bag from losing its stability. The fact that a paper bag for naturally moist soil has now been developed is a particularly important milestone.
Focus on the point of sale
The new nature bag offers remarkable unique selling properties for sustainable-oriented trade. With the Kleeschulte peat-free soil line in the nature bag, the soil factory meets the increasing demand for sustainable soil products in an unprecedented way. Initially, Kleeschulte Erden’s organic potting soil, organic tomato, and vegetable soil, as well as organic potting soil, are available in the nature bag. All packaging sizes from 3 liters to 70 liters will be available for retailers’ own branding. “This is ideal for secondary placement in the shop interior and at the checkout area and, doubtlessly, a real eye-catcher. Of course, we are at the beginning of the market launch, so there is still a lot of potential for ideas and developments. “says Sales Director Jens Brune from Kleeschulte Erden. The pallets can also be packed and left outside under a roof when very well protected.
Anyone who would like to get an idea of the new nature bag for naturally moist soil is welcome to visit the Kleeschulte stand at the IPM in Hall 3, Stand 3A13 (directly at the west entrance).
For more information:
Kleeschulte Erden GmbH & Co. KG
kleeschulte-erden.de
