Peltracom N.V. receives first MPS potting soil certificate

On April 19, Theo de Groot (CEO of MPS) and Paul Offerman (Certification Manager of MPS-ECAS) presented the new MPS potting soil certificate to Stefaan Vandaele of Peltracom N.V. Peltracom N.V. is the first participant who has been awarded the potting soil certificate of MPS.

With the new potting soil certificate, MPS is taking the first step in the certification of sustainably produced potting soil. The MPS certificate for sustainably produced potting soil is in addition to the existing potting soil certifications such as RHP and RAL. With these existing quality marks potting soil producers can demonstrate the safety and quality of potting soil.

The MPS certificate is intended to show the consumer that the potting soil has been produced in the most sustainable way possible. The MPS certification scheme is concerned with the sustainable extraction of the raw materials and the composition of the potting soil. This is achieved by stimulating the use of renewable raw materials, stimulating a reduction in environmental risks (peat reclamation, responsible extraction of raw materials, use of organic fertilisers) and certifying a potting soil with a better 'environmental performance'.

Raw materials for which there are requirements include sand, clay, coconut fibre, peat, compost, bark, lava, wood fibre and rice chaff. There are also requirements for fertilisers and other additives, and the packaging used for the potting soil. With the new MPS potting soil certificate, potting soil suppliers can demonstrate that their potting soil has been produced according to set guidelines, that it is sustainable and of a good quality.

More information about the new potting soil can be found at: www.my-mps.com.

Photo courtesy of Kellogg Community College