Norwegian-based applied research institute Bioregion Institute developed a compostable nursery pot made of downgraded wool and marine biomass.
Many nursery pots produced today are made of fossil-based plastic. The consumption of these plastic pots was around 10,000 tons in Norway alone in 2019, and they are often thrown away after a single use. They cannot be recycled or reused due to the risk of transmitting plant diseases.
In addition, 1,000 to 2,000 tons of wool from Norwegian farms are classified as low value wool. This type of wool is not suitable for the clothing industry or used in other high-value ways and generally discarded or burnt. However, degraded wool is a nutritious source for the soil.
Bioregion Institute has as aim to accelerate the transition to a circular and sustainable society. They developed an alternative to plastic nursery pots called Woolly Pot made of low value wool and with marine biomass as binder, making the pots fully compostable.
Photos: Bioregion Institute