Kratiste Made from plants, for plants

Over a year ago, Kratiste b.v. introduced the first “plantsupporting” product under the Kratiste brand name: a fully biodegradable climbing pole. A wide range of Kratiste products is now available. Those who were at the Trade Fair in Aalsmeer in November may already have seen some of it. At least if there was room to look, because it was enormously busy in and in front of the stand.

At least the sustainable difference you can make by using Kratiste products. The majority of the products consist of waste potato peelings and Miscanthus Giganteus (Elephant Grass). From the potato industry waste residues, PLA (Poly Lactose Acid), or lactic acid, is made. By using this biodegradable waste stream from the food industry, no regular plastic is needed. The Miscanthus that is added optimises compostability. Moreover, Miscanthus stores a lot of CO2: As much as 20,000 kg of CO2 is reduced per hectare.

Unlike the traditional “plant support” products, which are often made of bamboo or plastic with coconut fibres imported from China, this sustainable alternative comes from the Netherlands. Not only does this save many transport kilometres, it also gives security of supply and flexibility, which is a plus for the entire chain.

The Miscanthus is grown by Kratiste in the Netherlands and the further production process also takes place in the Netherlands. By producing close to the grower, tens of thousands of kilometres of transport of all products used are saved. It also increases security of supply and flexibility in creating added value.

Looking at the Kratiste climbing poles, there are additional advantages for the grower when using these poles. This is because the plants attach very easily to the climbing poles, which speeds up the growth process and reduces failure rates.

In terms of fungus resistance, the results so far are very positive. This would strengthen the proposition for all parties in the chain, as risks of damage are reduced.

For the consumer, Kratiste has an additional advantage because the products look beautiful due to their natural look and feel. Everyone wants to have that in their living room.

As already mentioned, the Kratiste range consists of climbing sticks with biodegradable clips and rope to tie up the plant. As the Kratiste rope is both flexible and strong, it naturally has many more applications. The Kratiste range also includes support poles, racks, label pegs and climbing boards. And no doubt we will see more revolutionary sustainable products appear under the Kratiste brand in 2023.

Early spring in the garden

Fragrant hyacinths, daffodils in fifty shades of yellow, cheerful primroses and velvety violets... It must be spring. Finally some colour in the garden and on the terrace. Combine these spring bloomers with flower pots in pastels and the colourful picture is complete.