Metrolina Greenhouses starts using biodegradable containers

Metrolina Greenhouses in Huntersville, N.C., is producing herbs in Sonoco biodegradable ReadyGrow containers. Made from 100% recycled paperboard produced in Sonoco's paper mill in Hartsville, S.C., the containers are conveyable and sustainable in Metrolina’s production system and biodegrade in soil within 180 days of planting. Consumers can plant the entire container in the ground.
“Growing our spring herbs in ReadyGrow pots not only makes our product more sustainable, but also reduces our total carbon footprint by leveraging a local packaging provider, said Abe VanWingerden, president of Metrolina. Sonoco’s manufacturing plant is 100 miles away from Metrolina.
ReadyGrow pots are porous, allowing oxygen to pass through the container to the roots. The RootGuard technology is a proprietary coating added to ensure the pot withstands greenhouse watering and maintains good water absorption while in the soil. Once planted, the coating breaks down, allowing the plant's roots to penetrate through the pot and branch out into the soil. The container biodegrades in soil within 180 days of planting.