Sustainable Growing Solutions Coming in a Jiffy

Posted by Greenhouse Grower Staff|February 10, 2020

Reducing the use of plastic in packaging and production purposes is an important global issue. To help the cause, Jiffy is aiming to lower the use of plastics for its growing media products. Just recently, the company decided to switch from PE and PP plastics to polylactic acid (PLA) netting for all its growblocks and pellets.

According to Jiffy, the PLA net is a lightweight, fine-fiber web. This material is designed for horticultural processes. The PLA net is made from material based of corn starch. This is a renewable and sustainable source of raw ingredients. The PLA net is biodegradable and compostable under controlled conditions. In addition, it’s certified to the European Norm of EN13432.

Jiffy points out three main benefits to end-users:
1. From renewable source to compostable waste
2. No glue or polyester components
3. Time saving in waste management

On January 1, 2020, 90% of all Jiffy growblocks and roughly 25% of its pellets were already produced and delivered with the new PLA netting. The company is aiming to be on a 100% PLA netting production by December 31, 2021.