Mester Grønn, the leading flower chain in Norway, has partnered with Stora Enso to create an eco-friendly tray for transporting potted plants, marking a significant shift away from plastic. The newly launched PureFiber™ Horti pallet, made through pulp moulding, offers a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional plastic trays. Mester Grønn anticipates that this innovation will contribute positively to the overall environmental impact of the flower industry.
In contrast to previous attempts using cardboard, the PureFiber™ Horti pallet meets all requirements. According to Erling J. Ølstad, CEO of Mester Grønn, "It's entirely different from the paper-based pallets we've experimented with in the past, as it's crafted from wood fiber and entirely devoid of plastic." Ølstad commended Stora Enso for their collaborative efforts, praising their ability to transform ideas into reality with meticulous planning, ample resources, and a commitment to competence.
As Norway's largest flower chain with over 143 stores, Mester Grønn recognizes the environmental challenges associated with the flower industry's reliance on plastic. While plastic is effective in protecting plants by withstanding water, the industry generates a substantial amount of plastic waste, especially from carbon black plastic, which complicates recycling efforts.
Erling J. Ølstad emphasizes the need for collaboration within the green industry, stating, "As representatives of the green industry, we need to work together towards a greener future in harmony with nature." This innovative solution addresses the challenge of maintaining stiffness in wet conditions, a crucial factor for transporting flowers and greenery.
A rigorous Product Lifecycle Analysis (LCA) compared the PureFiber™ Horti pallet to other market alternatives, revealing its climate-friendly attributes. In terms of manufacturing, these pallets require 45-80% fewer fossil resources than single-use plastic pallets, even when compared to recycled plastic pallets. The study also showed a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, ranging from 56-81%.
In a departure from the past practice of discarding pallets after a single use, Mester Grønn now encourages tray reuse and offers growers lower prices for this sustainable practice. Mari Bøhm Telle, a member of Mester Grønn's marketing team, expresses satisfaction with the results, anticipating positive implications for the entire flower industry in Europe.
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