Pöppelmann TEKU®, a Germany-based manufacturer of horticultural containers, has introduced a new circular hanging pot designed to support growers, retailers and consumers. The new pot, part of the MAO series, is the result of several years of development and a clear sustainability strategy, according to Pieter van Staalduine and Ronald Vreugdenhil.
They explain that the new hanging pot addresses a well-known challenge within the horticultural supply chain while also contributing to the ambition of creating a fully circular plastics chain.
© Daan Sturm | FloralDaily.comPieter van Staalduine and Ronald Vreugdenhil at the Trade Fair in Aalsmeer
"We had been hearing for years that traditional hanging pots either stay too wet or dry out too quickly," says Pieter. "Fully closed pots create a water buffer at the bottom, which makes cultivation more difficult. Pots with drainage holes work better for growers, but indoors they tend to drip, and outdoors the plant dries out too fast. We felt there had to be a better solution."
User-friendly
That practical feedback formed the basis for the new base design, Ronald Vreugdenhil explains. "We developed a system that allows growers to cultivate almost dry, even on ebb-and-flow floors or irrigation mats. The plant grows more evenly, without having to restrict growth at the top. Only at delivery, or when the consumer takes the plant home, does the reservoir become active."
The water reservoir is fully integrated into the base of the pot. "For retailers, this means less loss on the sales tables," Pieter adds. "The pot works within existing systems, so no adjustments are needed. Plants stay in good condition for longer without extra handling. That level of reliability is exactly what garden centres are looking for."
For consumers, the new pot is also more practical. "The reservoir makes it easier for both grower and end user," says Ronald. "The risk of the plant drying out is reduced and care becomes simpler. Especially for hanging plants, which are often placed high up and receive less attention, that is a major advantage."
Waste from household waste collection
Sustainability is a key element of the MAO hanging pot. The pots are made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic sourced from household waste streams. "The material literally comes from urban waste," says Pieter. "That makes it not only recyclable, but truly circular. We use plastic that would otherwise be incinerated or downcycled and turn it back into new pots."
Pöppelmann is independently certified, including by Blue Angel and Cyclos-HTP. "We can demonstrate that our PCR consists of at least 80 percent consumer plastic," Ronald explains. "The products are up to 100 percent recyclable and certified by Cyclos-HTP."
Using such a high proportion of recycled material places technical demands on production. "Recycled plastic is less uniform than virgin material," Pieter says. "Our quality control continuously monitors every step, from raw material to finished product. The pots are fully reliable."
"Innovative solution"
The strong response to what is, at first glance, a simple product does not surprise the team. "A hanging pot may seem straightforward," says Ronald, "but the impact is significant. Growers describe this solution as unique and innovative. That is not something we hear often, even after decades of producing pots."
The MAO series is available in diameters of 20, 23 and 25 cm, with additional sizes added to the range. "MAO is our internal product name," Pieter notes, "but for the market it is about ease of use, reliability and sustainability. That is what drives this development."
With the new circular hanging pot, Pöppelmann TEKU® aims to serve the entire supply chain, from grower to end consumer. "Ultimately, the end user should notice the difference," Ronald concludes. "A plant that stays attractive for longer, in a pot that supports cultivation and is better for the environment. That is exactly what we want to achieve with this innovation."
The full range of hanging pots will be presented at IPM Essen, in Hall 2, Stand 2D31.
For more information:
Pöppelmann TEKU®
+49 4442 982-1604
+31 653146267
[email protected]
www.poeppelmann.com
