If there’s one message that will resonate loudly across the halls of Birmingham’s NEC as Glee gets underway, it’s that environmental issues are topping the agenda for the gardening industry. But with so many eco-friendly claims being made, what differentiates genuine initiatives from corporate greenwash? GIMA council member and Deco-Pak Marketing Director, Craig Hall, outlines six ways in which the landscaping and decorative aggregates supplier is taking action to cut its plastic footprint and protect wildlife, delivering results that set a benchmark for sustainable business.
1) Turning trash into treasure: Deco-Pak’s new EcoStone range raises the bar when it comes to sustainability, transforming waste materials once destined for landfill into decorative aggregates that meet the latest design trends. Glasglo are new translucent tumbled glass stones, pot topper stones and cobbles made from recycled televisions; EcoStone Rubber Chippings give new life to former tyres, recycled into chippings that provide safe play areas and act as a weed-suppressing mulch, while EcoStone Sea Shells – sourced from a whelk processing factory, transform pots and terrariums when used as a dressing, and provide natural slug control in borders, too.
2) Thinking about the birds and the bees: Pollinator decline is a global crisis, with numbers of bees and beneficial insects in freefall. As concern escalates over how flowers, fruit and vegetables will be pollinated in years to come, Deco-Pak is adding new designs of Insect Hotels that allow consumers to create essential habitats for threatened pollinators. Made from FSC wood, these sustainable wildlife havens tick all the boxes for eco gardens and will provide havens for struggling bees and insects. For every insect hotel sold, five pence will be donated to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
3) Getting tough on plastic: While all our packaging is recyclable, Deco-Pak intends to ultimately eliminate single-use plastics by closing the loop. We are currently researching and trialling ways to further reduce virgin plastic content in packaging with our bag suppliers, however in the near future we intend to further highlight the way in which plastics can be recycled effectively by consumers and retailers alike.
4) Become plastic neutral: Visit the Deco-Pak stand at Glee (Hall 20, stand Y40-Z41) and find out about our exciting plan for staff to become plastic neutral. It means we’ll be offsetting our plastic footprint by donating to plastic retrieval charity partners, which help underprivileged communities around the world who collect plastic waste from oceans and exchange it for benefits such as currency, education and healthcare. It’s a fantastic way to make a real difference. At Glee, our shirts will be made from recycled plastic!
5) Supporting pollinator charity: Deco-Pak’s new EcoPave Decorative Stepping Stones, which feature attractive bee designs, are made from 30% recycled materials and are manufactured using locally sourced materials. A percentage of sales from these charming honeycomb inspired shaped stepping stones will also support the work of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
6) Supplying sustainable products: Deco-Pak’s Alpine EcoRacer is a prime example of a new product that delivers on sustainability. This stylish midnight black eco sledge is backed by a rock solid eco pledge – not only is it made from 100% recycled plastic, but it’s manufactured in the UK, too.
Find out more
To see Deco-Pak’s latest introductions please visit the company on stand at Glee 2019, Hall 20, stand Y40-Z41.
