Tom Marting
Director of Sustainable Solutions,
The HC Companies
Amanda Solliday
Research Assistant,
Sustainabloom
Horticultural Science PhD Student,
NC State University
Leigh Geschwill
Owner & Sales Manager,
F & B Farms and Nursery
Committed to sustainability, The HC Companies and Classic Home and Garden (CHG) continue to educate horticultural companies and provide innovative solutions.
Make no mistake – the future of plastic regulation is already here. Across the US and Canada, the horticulture industry is facing new reporting requirements and fees around the use and recycling of single use plastics and packaging.
Rising concerns about plastic pollution and the health risks of microplastics are driving these regulatory actions. There is a need for companies to learn and adapt to these modifications. However, some garden centres and smaller businesses may not be aware of how significant the issues and changes are.
“Much of what we grow in can be recycled,” says Leigh Geschwill, owner and sales manager of F & B Farms and Nursery. Based in Oregon, Leigh is already addressing these new regulations firsthand. “To comply with new standards, there needs to be proper education, products, and infrastructure in place at every level.”
Facilitating the shift
One particularly notable change? Extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks in provinces and some states are shifting costs from taxpayers to companies. This means that producers are and will be held responsible to fund the recovery and recycling of the plastics they sell. There’s also been changes in advertising rules and compliances surrounding sustainability-related data collection and reporting to crack down on misleading or inaccurate claims.
“The future is here. Is your business ready to adapt? That’s the question everyone needs to ask themselves,” explains Tom Marting, Director of Sustainable Solutions for The HC Companies. “We’re educating our customers and offering solutions that’ll make business stronger and more environmentally responsible as we make these transitions together.”
A culmination of many trusted brands, The HC Companies is a proud leader in the horticulture industry. They’re transforming the space through innovative manufacturing, bold leadership, and by providing an extensive portfolio of products for greenhouses, nurseries, commercial, and retail markets. They believe sustainable business practices are essential for the future success of growers and gardeners. With this in mind, they’re using the latest technologies to develop greener solutions.
Better together
A horticultural sciences Ph.D. student at NC State University and member of the Sustainabloom research team, Amanda Solliday knows that consumers are paying attention to plastics use. “Research shows that people – both business owners and customers – don’t want to use something once and throw it away. With all the complexity around how materials are created, used, and then potentially reused, it’s going to take a mix of ideas and solutions to bring the industry into the next phase of sustainability.”
Research shows that people don’t want to use something once and throw it away. The issues we’re facing are immediate and we need to act now. That said, it’s going to take a mix of ideas and solutions to bring the industry into the next phase of sustainability.
Amanda Solliday, research assistant at
Sustainabloom and horticultural science
PhD student.
One of the first to do so, The HC Companies offers a line of molded pulp fibre solutions made from post-industrial recycled paper materials. Their biobased BioPax® containers are certified USDA BioPreferred® and made from sustainably sourced wood pulp. Plus, they’re manufactured in a state-of-the-art closed-loop water recycling facility.
“We’re constantly in touch with our customers, supply chain partners, and consumers, and everyone wants more sustainable options,” Tom adds. “The only way we can solve large issues and advance sustainability is through collaboration. We’re better together, and every little bit helps.”
A partnership with impact
That’s why HC has recently merged with Classic Home & Garden. They’ll provide growers with ample choices for plants and pots to suit all growing preferences. Each company brings complementary strengths to the table that will generate more retail opportunities and increase design options.
The HC Companies containers are guaranteed to have a minimum of 10% post-consumer recycled content on average across their entire portfolio. Combining international and domestic manufacturing and global sourcing, HCxCHG is now positioned to offer even more innovative and accessible solutions.
Leigh has purchased their products for over fifteen years and admires the company’s consistent efforts to move the eco needle forwards. “The best way to ensure a sustainable future for your business and the environment is to get educated about what’s happening and get engaged with vendors and customers.”
Check out more information at hc-companies.com.
Regulations are informative and not legal advice for compliance.
