SUSTAINABILITY
We keep our RESPONSIBILITY towards PEOPLE, THE PLANET AND ANIMALS at the forefront of our minds.These are key issues for our company, and we act accordingly. Not only because our customers come to us with requests related to these concepts, but primarily too because we, as individuals and as a company, understand the importance of looking after THE PLANET we all share.
In this way, together with your help, we all contribute towards a BETTER, GREENER WORLD!
MPS-GAP A+
Van Son & Koot has the highest attainable MPS-GAP A+ certificate, and we are proud of it! The MPS-GAP certificate is awarded to companies that supply retailers. It gives customers insight into how an organisation is set up and the SUSTAINABILITY of plant cultivation.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
Insects are threatened with extinction due to the increasing use of pesticides. We want to combat this and have taken measures accordingly. For instance, we use ORGANIC PESTICIDES as well as NATURAL PLANT INVIGORATORS. Plus, our breeders look for plant species that no longer require chemical control.
BIODIVERSITY
We make conscious choices when compiling our product range, including as many species as possible that PROMOTE BIODIVERSITY. We have developed a concept called ‘NATURE 2 NATURE’. This consists of a SPECIALLY SELECTED RANGE that is particularly attractive to bees, ladybirds, butterflies and birds.
RAINWATER RECYCLING
We collect rainwater and PURIFY all irrigation water. All water goes into storage for RE-USE. There is NO DISCHARGE into ditches or sewers. In the absence of rain water, we only use spring water.
COMPOSITION OF POTTING SOIL
We always explore PEAT-FREE POTTING SOIL. We endeavour to replace peat with other products, such as wood fibre, coconut fibre and bark. This process is still under development; the current mixture is 40%-50% peat-free and we aim to increase that percentage.
SOLAR PANELS
We turn grey electricity into GREEN ELECTRICITY. We recently installed 2,500 SOLAR PANELS with an annual output of 437 MWH . This yield is HIGHER than the annual consumption at our main location in Kaatsheuvel. So, completely ENERGY NEUTRAL!
CO2 REDUCTION
We focus on how our products are transported from FROM A to B. By consistently focusing on efficiency and savings, being critical of our logistics processes and implementing increased efficiency where possible, we are able to REDUCE OUR FOOTPRINT. For instance, MINIMISING TRANSPORT LINES by delivering directly from locations, or by reducing delivery frequencies.
ARBORETUM
We have a beautiful ARBORETUM on our premises. It is a haven for all kinds of animals. Not only have we provided ample nesting space for STORKS, OWLS AND FALCONS, but we have also put up numerous bird houses and bat boxes. Our BUG HOTEL is a comfortable place for insects to nest and hibernate.
RECYCLING PLASTICS
We purchase pots (carbon-free) and cyclos-certified trays, making them 100% RECYCLABLE. The basic material of our pots and trays is made from 100% PRE-RECYCLED RAW MATERIALS. All our labels and sticks are 100% RECYCLABLE too. At the nursery, we RE-USE pots as much as possible. We have also significantly REDUCED tray and wrapping film usage.
BOTANIC ACADEMY
By TRAINING our employees IN-HOUSE and upskilling their knowledge and expertise, we work indirectly on making the product and the company MORE SUSTAINABLE.
