Rosaprima’s 3R Program aims to create a positive impact in our approach to the use of all materials we employ, taking every step possible to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, especially with plastics.
Plastic pollution has become one of the biggest environmental problems we face today. No matter where you go and what you do, you are sure to find plastics in many different applications. Plastic has become an integral part of our lives. In fact, plastic is a highly versatile and even resource-efficient material. It is lightweight yet durable, water resistant, easy to mold, and inexpensive to make. So efficient, it is, that it is everywhere. Most every industry uses plastics, and you can find them in practically every home around the world.
It is estimated that 300 million tons of plastic are produced yearly, and only around 9% of it is recycled. Because of its durability, it can take a very long time to break down (up to hundreds of years). As it breaks down, it releases dangerous chemicals that accumulate causing harmful effects on our soil and water. Plastic pollution also threatens animals in different ways, and studies are finding more effects on humans as well. This is why it is vital to manage plastics well and to ensure we use the 3R principle when using plastics.
These are some of the initiatives Rosaprima has implemented over the years to reduce, reuse and recycle plastics:
Eliminating the use of Plastic Grafting Tape
One of the most compelling examples of our reduction of plastics is that of the tape used for grafting. New varieties are inserted (grafted) into a an older, more mature rose plant (rootstock). These are wrapped tightly together until the bud with the desired variety takes root within the mature rose plant. Plastic grafting tape creates significant waste as one hectare requires approximately 16,000 meters of tape for rose cultivation. For over a decade, Rosaprima only uses a special film that is entirely biodegradable, eliminating all use of plastic grafting tape! The result is a whopping two million+ meters of plastic tape NOT used per year! That translates into as much as six times the length of the Mississippi River saved since switching over!
Collecting and Recycling our greenhouse plastics
Our 3R Program also collects all our greenhouse plastics and recycles them with a specialized company. The whole process is certified ISO14001, ISO9001, and ISO45001 through the company. They are also leaders in greenhouse plastic recycling. This guarantees that the collecting and recycling process is handled under strict guidelines that comply with all environmental standards. Our plastics get another life cycle, becoming a new raw material that is then used as input for different products. This recycling further contributes to a reduction in the overall need for virgin raw materials.
Reducing the use of plastic sleeves
We are continuously refining our packaging, learning and improving at every step. Over the past few years, we have redesigned our boxes to use the space more efficiently while providing the right support to keep our roses fresh and intact. This redesign has been so successful that we began trials sending our roses without the plastic sleeves. The new boxes have exceeded our expectations. As such, we expect to be able to offer all our customers this option very soon. That would be one more substantial reduction in the use of plastic!
The world has produced more plastic in the past decade than it has in a whole century. In that same decade, Rosaprima implemented the 3R principles to contribute to an overall reduction of plastic use. These initiatives, which are continuously evolving, serve as an example of the difference we can all make in our day to day practices. If you want to know more, visit our Sustainability page, or get in touch with us!
