BVB Substrates takes the next step in circular solutions for BVB Growbags
BVB Growbags are used in professional vegetable and soft fruit cultivation, consistently delivering reliable crop performance in practice. To extend the value of this substrate after the growing cycle, BVB Substrates is exploring how substrate from BVB Growbags can be reused in other applications.
The growing demand for high‑quality organic growing media is making reuse increasingly important. Research by Wageningen University & Research indicates that global demand for growing media is expected to rise significantly towards 2050, potentially quadrupling.[1] In current practice, however, growbags are often disposed of after use, despite still containing valuable organic substrate.
Experience with reuse in strawberry substrates
BVB Substrates has extensive experience in reusing loose substrate from strawberry cultivation. At the end of the growing season, the substrate is collected, analysed, and reused across a range of applications. This accumulated expertise forms the basis for the recovery and reuse of substrate from BVB Growbags, currently focused on the Netherlands.
However, this process differs from working with loose substrate. In growbags, the substrate is enclosed within packaging, meaning that plastic and plant residues must first be separated. In addition, both logistics and processing require a tailored approach.
Practical trials with growers
BVB Substrates is therefore initiating practice-based trials with growers in the Netherlands, focusing on the recovery of valuable raw materials and their reuse as high-quality inputs for other crops. The insights gained from these trials will support further development and scaling.