Horti-BlueC

Horticultural practices create hard-to-recycle waste that may contain a high concentration of nutrients and pesticide residues.

The Horti-BlueC research project examines using locally-produced and renewable feedstock materials in place of the usual white peat or stone wool. The goal of the project is to prove the viable use of 4 valorization chains. This will save resources and reduce CO2 emissions from greenhouse horticulture. ILVO as lead partner will focus on the potential of biochar, chitin and plant fibers in sustainable growing media.

Horti-BlueC will develop solutions for sustainable growing media in greenhouse horticulture. Exploring potentials for upcycling shellfish waste, green waste, and CO2 emissions, the new materials will contribute to the circular economy in the 2 Seas region. The research project is drawing to a close, ending in April 2022. The final and third Horti-BlueC Newsletter, brimming with the latest news, has been published and is available to view.

The University of Portsmouth issued a press release in October that included details about the final public facing event held at Southsea Castle on 27 October 2021. Several videos were made during the course of the project, which are available on the ILVO Horti-BlueC Youtube channel.

The project received funding from the Interreg 2 Seas Programme 2014–2020 co-funded by the European Regional Development fund under subsidy contract: No. 2S03-046 Horti-BlueC.