DOPA jar as sustainable alternative to the plastic soup

Floréac embraces sustainable initiatives. Recently, the DOPA pot added to the list. This bio-resin-based degradable paper pot is the ideal replacement for the plastic pot. We list its advantages.

Bio-resin as a strongmaker

Gardening is hip, at the same time consumers are becoming more critical and demanding a sustainable product. A plastic growing pot does not fit the bill then. Because the more potted plants they transplant into the garden, the more waste is left behind. As a grower and customer, you also know the disadvantages, because the packaging tax is going up.

That has to change.

The answer to this dilemma? The DOPA pot. Developed by Netherlands-based Plantics. This startup focuses on the production and development of sustainable natural materials based on bio-resins.

What is a DOPA pot?

A DOPA pot is a pot made of recycled paper, coated with a bio-resin based on agricultural residues. That bio-resin makes the paper pots much stronger, even when wet. Moreover, they are less susceptible to mould and algae. The idea is to use these pots from cultivation until after sale. This is the only way we will reduce the use of plastic to zero.

At the moment, the DOPA pot is mainly suitable for short-term outdoor crops. For crops longer than six months, researchers are today diligently searching for a solution.

What are the advantages of the DOPA pot?

• The DOPA pot is fully cold compostable. The plant has to go into the ground together with the pot and is thus part of the product. Here, they compost after an average of three months.

• The plant’s roots grow through the pot.

• The pots serve as nutrients for the plant.

• The fungi, as part of the natural composting process, grow on the pot.

So the benefits are numerous. You reduce the waste stream and pay less packaging tax. Also important. If you add the DOPA jar to your sustainability range, you score with the environmentally conscious consumer. A win on all fronts, in other words.