"Minimizing plastic reaching the consumer is the way to go"

A newcomer at the Trade Fair in Aalsmeer next week. Airtray Technologies by Blackmore Company is present at the show for the first time. "We will be highlighting Blackmore's Air Tray Technologies (Ellepot, Air Trays, Air Tray Racks) with a focus on the Plant-IT-Friendly retail sleeve. The Plant-IT-Friendly retail sleeve eliminates the need for environmentally dirty and expensive plastic pots & tags at retail", says David Dobos.

David explains a growing issue in plant production for retail sales across Europe and the US: the reliance on plastic pots, tags, and adhesive labels. "The current system creates a significant amount of landfill waste and drives up costs for growers," he explains. "If low consumer recycling rates are the challenge, a better approach is to minimize plastic reaching the consumer. Instead, recycling efforts should be concentrated within production greenhouses or nurseries, where materials can be consolidated and recycled more effectively and affordably."

He says the plant-IT-Friendly retail sleeve is the solution to the retail plastic problem. This product is part of Air Tray Technologies. "Plant-IT-Friendly sleeves reduces plastic currently being shipped to retail by 95%. It allows for up to 67% more gallon-equivalent plants per 24-ft truck and 40% more gallon-equivalent containers in the same retail space. Also, the retails sleeves allow for automation."

David adds the retail sleeve does not require the additional cost of plastic tags or labels, and it allows for complete on-demand printing of plant details, bar code and pictures at a rate of up to 3,000 retail sleeves per hour at time of ship. "No more re-potting or re-labeling."

The sleeves are recyclable and Ellepot paper is compostable. "It's not just about growing with less inputs and saving costs, it's also showing customers you care."

Visit Blackmore at the Trade Fair in Aalsmeer ins and 1.67