"So we use a formula that slows down the process of soaking up water. We added a natural wax to the mix of soil and paper", he explains. "Thereby the pots will repel water in the first part of the growing process and handling in potting machines and other automation has become possible similar to other conventional pots.
Cooporation with growers
Working closely together with the growers is a key issue. "An example is how much to water the plants. In order to keep the pots stable and clean, also at the point of sales, the plants should not stand to close together on the growing tables. Consumers should be able to recognize and appreciate that the plants are grown in 100% natural pot, however we also need to assure that the pot is stable and free from algae when put on display in the shops.
The nursery has a stable pot to work with in potting machines, and the customer can bring the pot home safely. Only when the customer places the pot in the ground, the process of composting starts and the roots find their ways in the ground. The fact that the consumer don’t have to remove the pot when transplanting also has the advantages that the rooting of the plant will remain safe and healthy into the ground.
The roots penetrate through the pot wall and therefore the pot should not be removed before planting.
In order to communicate the obvious advantages of the Jiffypot to the market FloraCup has created the All Nature concept. "We started the process this fall with the support and connection between growers, retailers and garden centers", says Axel. “There is a positive interest in these new pots also from the growers side. They want to differentiate themselves from the rest of the market. It’s not always easy for them to get the right price for the products. In order to find a complete concept, it is important to have a connection between the grower and the outlet side."
100% natural
The All Nature tray is made from recycled cardboard making the total concept produced in 100% natural materials. In this case a 12 cm Jiffypot was selected in combination with a 6 hole tray. Jiffypots are available in more than 30 sizes and designs. Most popular sizes are 10 and 12 cm. In development Jiffy cooperated with three Danish growers: Trekanten, Tvillingegården and Fashion Flowers.
Trials
This spring the new All Nature concept will be put in several trials in garden centers and shops. “We will put the pots in the market for the spring and bedding plants, that seems to be the most obvious use for it. But we also aim for the eatable plants and herbs."
This spring we will do some orders in some selected shops in Scandinavia and Germany, to find out how the pots hold up in the shops and to see how the customers react. It will cost a little bit more than the regular plastic pots, but we think that the customer will be ready to pay a small premium. When looking to food products, customers seem to be willing to pay higher prices for higher standards, when food is for instance produced ecologically. There is a general trend – plastic is an unpopular material. We all see the pictures on social media of oceans filled with plastic harming the planet."
For more information:
FloraCup
Axel Hallum
+4540168012
axel@floracup.com
www.floracup.com
Jiffy
Hans Gammelgaard
+4520494388
hans.gammelgaard@jiffygroup.com
www.jiffygroup.com