Kekkilä-BVB is investing significantly in innovating new, circular raw materials to be used in growing media. The newest innovation, reed canary grass, will be launched to markets in spring 2025. It brings structure and good aeration to the substrate, has a secure European supply chain and a low environmental impact.
Kekkilä-BVB has been developing and testing reed canary grass together with customers and external research centres to ensure that it is fit for purpose as growing media. The tests have shown that reed canary grass contributes to good air content and an increase in rooting and root distribution, which are essential for growing strong and healthy plants. It also holds the top layer of the pot dry, which reduces the formation of algae or mold at the top of the pot. These characteristics make it a good substitute for perlite, bark, coconut fibre and coarse peat fractions.
For Kekkilä-BVB, reed canary grass is a unique, cultivated fibre, whose value chain is fully in its own control. The grass is cultivated in the former peat production areas of Neova in Finland and harvested annually with exclusive rights to Kekkilä-BVB. This ensures the security of supply and close proximity to production facilities. Kekkilä-BVB has been also paying a lot of attention to the quality management of the new raw material to ensure product safety for its customers.
“In line with our vision “Growing smarter for healthier food and greener living”, we play a vital role in the food production chain and as one of the European leaders we are committed to leading the way also with innovations. The demand for growing media is set to rise in the years to come, and we need a diverse range of raw materials in addition to peat to meet this need. Therefore we started our circular raw material development program already in 2022 and we are proud to launch our newest innovation, reed canary grass, today,” comments Pekka Tennilä, CEO, Kekkilä-BVB.
For more information, visit www.kekkila-bvb.com
