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June 2010
Vital Earth (Derby) Limited, producer of environmentally-friendly composts and fertilisers made from locally sourced, recycled garden waste is changing its name to Vital Earth GB Limited. Effective from July 1, the move reflects the which have made the company the largest producer of compost into the UK retail market and manufacturer of the largest range of peat-free growing media in the UK.
Vital Earth now has a range of over 30 peat-free composts, including specialist blends like ericaceous and JI Nos 1, 2, and 3 equivalents, making it the only one-stop-shop for 100% natural, 100% sustainable and 100% UK-sourced green growing media. It also makes the award-winning Chicken Poo fertilizer, a recycled chicken manure product, sourced from British free range hens, as well as a range of commercial peat-free composts for the grower and green roof markets. The Vital Earth brand is available in over 500 independent outlets as well as 350 Wilkinson’s stores nationwide.
Commenting on Vital Earth GB Limited, managing director, Steve Harper, said, “Vital Earth (Derby) Limited was founded entirely on the environmental premise of recycling locally-sourced green waste, thus preventing it from going to landfill. Having invested three years of research and seven years of development, we have created an in-vessel method, using our own patented system control, which is totally sympathetic to the natural composting process. As a result, we produce immensely saleable retail garden products, in tune with environmental purchase trends, and are therefore growing rapidly in terms of national distribution.
“The new name reflects both our growth as a company, the increasing number of green waste recycling contracts we have, the extent of our product range - now including two Which? Gardening Best Buys - and, the Vital Earth franchise as an increasingly recognisable consumer brand. It also sits well with our future plans to replicate our technological innovations nationwide, leading to considerably more positive impacts on the environment.”
June 2010
Vital Earth, the award-winning producer of peat-free composts and fertilisers made from locally sourced, recycled garden waste has put together a distribution agreement with Bord Na Mona, Ireland’s leading environmentally responsible integrated utility service provider and producer of the peat-reduced brand GroWise. Together the two companies will spearhead the technology behind the horticulture market’s shift to wholly peat-free compost in line with the Government’s targeted date of 2020 and in the meantime enable UK retailers to ease their own transition to completely peat-free via a combined peat-free and peat-reduced offer.
The deal will mean Vital Earth, the largest producer of compost into the UK retail market and manufacturer of the largest range of peat-free growing media in the UK, working with the leading Irish pioneer of the commercial composting of green and biodegradable waste. Tommy Gill from Bord Na Mona says, “The commitment to quality is a key driver for this agreement, as both our companies’ products have come tops in recent independent tests. We have invested heavily in a quality green waste composting and an innovation agenda driven internally supplemented with plant growing trials in University College Dublin. GroWise launched a few months ago in the Irish market and has already taken significant market share.” Explained Steve Harper, managing director of Vital Earth, “Both companies are wholly committed to peat-free and by working together, we can make the changeover considerably easier for both the commercial and retail markets, including those resellers, who have found an immediate and complete switch to peat-free difficult to achieve. They will now be in a position to help us educate all professional and amateur gardeners about the benefits of peat-free, by trialling both peat-reduced and peat-free brands along the way. Meanwhile, Vital Earth and Bord Na Mona will jointly step up the production of composts, feeds and fertilisers made from recycled green waste in readiness for the increasing demand.”
Vital Earth now has a range of over 30 peat-free composts, including specialist blends like ericaceous and JI Nos 1, 2, and 3 equivalents, making it the only one-stop-shop for 100% natural, 100% sustainable and 100% UK-sourced green growing media. It also makes the award-winning Chicken Poo fertilizer, a recycled chicken manure product, sourced from British free range hens, as well as a range of commercial peat-free composts for the grower and green roof markets. The Vital Earth brand is already available in over 500 independent outlets as well as 350 Wilkinson’s stores nationwide.
Bord Na Mona is a €400m company operating in the renewable energy, resource recovery, clean air (through developing odour technologies) and water solutions businesses. Driven by the vision ‘ A New Contract with Nature’, it has undertaken not to open any new peat bogs and as part of a strong sustainability plan, will continue to invest in peatland rehabilitation for leisure tourism and amenity use. The GroWise range offers multi-purpose and a selection of specialist compost blends all in peat-reduced formats using recycled garden waste as their main diluent as well as a range of decorative barks.
Steve Harper added, “ This agreement will make a major contribution to the peat-free revolution in the UK and sits well with both companies’ ambitions to be the leaders in this new market. Replicating Vital Earth’s green technology, developed and patented at our Ashbourne plant, has always been the company’s route to expansion and this agreement will lead on to considerably more positive impacts on the environment.”
March 2010
Peat-free compost manufacturer, Vital Earth, whose products are made from recycled garden waste, is entering the commercial grower market with a range of Container Nursery Stock and Bedding Plant media, available with and without controlled-release fertiliser (CRF). The launch is timed to meet the needs of growers as more and more local authorities and commercial retailers specify peat-free stock.
The Vital Earth range comprises Peat-Free Container Nursery Stock Media – Summer & Autumn and Peat-free Bedding Plant Media – Summer & Autumn/Winter. Each product contains all essential base nutrients, mainly in slow-release/organic form and handling properties have already been proven fully compatible with potting machines such as the Super Javo. They are also fully compatible with all irrigation and other mechanised systems. All the products have excellent physical stability and drainage properties, allowing for strong root development.
Added benefits include reduction in infestation by algae, liverwort, moss and other weeds, thanks to the surface properties of the products, while beneficial microbes enhance both nutrient supply and resistance to some diseases such as leaf spot.
Vital Earth Peat-Free Container Nursery Stock Media – Summer and Autumn – are designed for overhead irrigation. The summer formulation contains slightly more green compost/less bark and more CRF (to match better growing conditions). Where
sub-irrigation is used (sand beds or capillary matting), especially with sensitive crops under protection (tunnels or glass), growers are advised to use the autumn grade. Both products are available with and without CRFs. As CRFs are pre-incorporated within seven days of dispatch, the customer is advised to use CRF-treated media within 21 days of delivery.
Vital Earth Peat-free Bedding Plant Media – Summer & Autumn/Winter - have been proven in growing trials, including polyanthus and primrose and they are fully compatible with potting machines, capillary irrigation systems and overhead watering. Both products are available with and without CRF.
The Vital Earth Container Nursery Stock and Bedding Plant media range is available in bulk and IBCs.
Commenting on the launch of grower media, managing director of Vital Earth Steve Harper said, “With more and more local authorities and commercial retailers specifying peat-free stock, this is the right time for us to enter the market. Extensive nursery trials have proven that top quality container nursery stock can be grown peat-free. What is more, infestation with liverwort, moss and other weeds can be greatly reduced, which represents a significant cost saving.”
March 2010
Vital Earth, today’s leading manufacturer of environmentally-friendly peat-free composts, whose products are made from recycled garden waste, is launching an agricultural soil improver, which is ideal for the arable market. Called Soil Booster 25, the new product is a high quality compost, meeting all performance and legislative requirements. It is also the most environmentally-friendly option on the market.
Soil Booster 25 is a PAS 100:2007 and Compost Quality Protocol approved compost,
size-graded, rich in humus and lignin and containing a full range of long-lasting nutrients. Ideal for application to arable land, Soil Booster 25 is full of beneficial micro-organisms, enhancing nutrient supply, suppressing disease, enhancing soil structure and worm activity and reducing erosion, compaction and capping.
Soil Booster 25 is thoroughly sanitised and meets UK Animal By-products Regulations (ABPR). Thanks to the in-vessel process used to produce the product, it contains no weed seeds and no diseases. It increases water-holding, reduces leaching, stimulates root action and aids green-up/top growth. Readily available and long-lasting with a pleasant earthy odour, the product can be delivered by Vital Earth in bulk (tipper or walking floor trucks).
Commenting on Soil Booster 25, Vital Earth’s managing director, Steve Harper explained, “Our research shows that the agricultural industry now prefers green provenance – ie nutrient sources derived from sustainable/recycled, UK-sourced materials - as long as they perform! Vital Earth compost is produced by composting garden waste in-vessel (sanitisation phase), then in aerated indoor windrows (maturation phase). The process is closely monitored/controlled throughout using cutting-edge instrumentation to produce compost that is consistent, weed and disease-free, high in humus/bound nutrients; low in water-soluble N & P, mature, clean, effective and good value.
“We are already experiencing considerable early interest in the new product.”
February 2010
Shrub and tree grower, Boultons has just signed a new deal with Vital Earth, the organic, peat-free compost manufacturer, whose well-established green credentials are based on a core range made from recycled garden waste. The deal is to supply Boultons with peat-free compost for 2010, covering 80% of its potting (approximately 120,000 units), with the main areas of concentration being two, three and five litre pot production of evergreen & deciduous shrubs, herbaceous plants, and native hedging species.
The relationshipbetween the two companies has existed since initial contact was made in January 2005 and the fact that Boultons has committed itself to peat-free with Vital Earth is testament to the growing success the companies have had by working together.
Lee Melady of Boultons explains, “Back in 2005 we spoke to Dove Associates regarding some growing issues we had with certain plants and they pointed us in the direction of Vital Earth. We began by trialling Vital Earth compost on a limited basis in spring 2006 and proceeded to use it within our production. The main area of concentration for its use was initially our five litre shrub production.
“The results were very promising from the start. The main areas we found interesting were:
“It’s true, we had some initial concerns about the ‘cleanliness’ of the Vital Earth compost with it being made from recycled green waste (i.e. would there be foreign objects contained within the mix?) We also wondered about the characteristic nature of the compost to ‘heat up’ whilst in short stay storage and its tendency to be less free draining than peat-based equivalents. We found, however, that these concerns were either unfounded, or could easily be worked around by adapting certain methods on the nursery.
“The Vital Earth product is sanitised and therefore completely free from weed seeds and pathogens, thanks to its computer controlled in-vessel manufacturing process, so cleanliness is not an issue. The heating up question has been addressed by using the product more quickly to prevent any build up of heat. Furthermore, all our plants flourished, so we now have no concerns over this! Watering and drainage is just a matter of adjusting working practices.
“Over the course of the last four years we have progressively introduced more of Vital Earth compost into our production, based on consistently successful trials. I very much feel that we found Vital Earth at just the right time as Boultons were seeking alternative methods of growing plants and different marketing strategies. It has been a good learning process for both companies and I hope that Boultons input into product development has also helped Vital Earth.”
February 2010
Peat-free compost manufacturer, Vital Earth, whose products are made from recycled garden waste, is working with ABG, the UK’s market leader in geocomposite drainage to research mutual interests in the development of UK-sourced, environmentally friendly solutions for the burgeoning green roof market.
Vital Earth, which has recently launched four varieties of green roof media - Sedum Roof Medium, Meadow Roof Medium, Lawn Roof Medium and Sedum Seed Medium - was approached by ABG because the company was looking to develop environmentally-friendly green roof products. Having met at the World Green Roof Congress in 2008, the two companies have worked together on research projects in Sheffield = for the Green Roof Centre - and London. Commercial projects both small and large including the most recent, a 90 cubic metre commission at St Paul’s Apartments in Sheffield.
The Vital Earth green roof media are based on specially matured and graded green compost plus organic matter and nutrients, plus carefully selected and graded clay aggregate, recycled from clean brick and tile. All of the constituent parts are UK-sourced and this was a key consideration in ABG’s partnership with Vital Earth.
Commenting on the partnership, Vital Earth’s Managing Director, Steve Harper explained, “Our research shows that this fast-growing industry prefers green roof media with appropriately green provenance – ie peat-free media derived from sustainable/recycled, UK-sourced materials. Vital Earth is a Gold Member of the Growing Media Initiative: striving to reduce use of peat in UK growing media. Furthermore, Vital Earth only sources bark from FSC-accredited plantations and uses only natural/organic UK-sourced materials.“
Steve Humberstone of ABG added, “A recycled green roof system is exactly what we wanted to achieve in response to the way the market is developing and Vital Earth presented us with the means to achieve this. A UK-based, environmentally-friendly range of green roof systems was our goal and Vital Earth has provided a recycled green waste substrate with proven performance to enable us to achieve it.
“With the environmental benefits of green roofs well-established, including run-off attenuation: reduced flood-risk, UV protection: extended roof life, reduced energy-use, urban cooling, biodiversity enhancement and enrichment of working/living space, we are delighted to be entering such an environmentally attractive market with Vital Earth.”
Vital Earth can deliver its green roof media in bulk (tipper or walking floor trucks), IBC’s and 25 litre bags.
February 2010
Consumer ratings magazine, Which? Gardening has declared Vital Earth’s multipurpose and tub & basket compost as Best Buys in its March report on container compost. This is the first time environmentally-friendly peat-free composts have outperformed all ompetitors.
Peat-free compost manufacturer, Vital Earth, whose products are made from recycled garden waste, has over thirty compost products in its range including specialist blends like ericaceous compost for lime hating plants, the first such compost in a peat-free format.
Vital Earth Multipurpose Compost has high levels of humates and nutrients which provide a reserve of water reducing the need to feed and encouraging sustained growth and with Vital Earth’s added nutrient blend, Multipurpose has a shelf life of more than 12 months. A 60 litre bag has an rrp of £5.99.
Vital Earth Tub & Basket Compost is also completely organic, natural and peat-free. It is ideal for all kinds of hanging basket and container planting, both summer and winter, and will yield prolific blooms. It is packed in 60 litre bags and has an rrp of £5.99.
Marketing manager of Vital Earth, Maryanne Stokes commented, “This is such great news and a fantastic accolade for all concerned in ensuring that these products are so consistently top quality, and equally to the hard work of those who get them to market. It’s also a terrific endorsement of peat-free performance and the dedication of everyone involved in recycling green waste into effective, environmentally-friendly composts and fertilizers.”
February 2010
Organic, peat-free compost manufacturer, Vital Earth, has used its well-established green credentials to launch a brand new consumer website, www.thegreenergardener.com, aimed at the generic gardener and green living enthusiast.
Colourful, engaging and highly interactive, the site targets both established gardeners and younger enthusiasts taking up ‘grow your own’ for the first time and needing friendly advice from a natural, green perspective. Born out of extensive consumer research on both content and style, the site includes ethical gardening advice, information on going peat-free, product and stockist updates, a gardening calendar, recipes, and a Greener Gardener Club Forum for networking, ideas exchange and an ask the experts feature.
Commenting on the launch of www.thegreenergardener.com, managing director, Steve Harper said, “This is very exciting development and reinforces our credentials as the best one stop shop for 100% natural, 100% sustainable and 100% UK-sourced green gardening products. The site is striking, informative and fun and it proved a real hit in qualitative consumer research. Early data shows it’s already a popular destination for gardeners and green enthusiasts.”
The Vital Earth range is now listed nationally in garden centres and in 350 Wilkinson’s stores. There are over 30 products, including specialist composts like ericaceous, rarely if ever previously available in a peat-free format, and the new ‘chicken poo’ fertiliser, sourced from British free range hens. The bright, quirky packaging and POS plus helpful guidelines as to usage have proved extremely motivating to gardeners and established Vital Earth as one of the leaders in all aspects of greener gardening.
February 2010
Peat-free compost manufacturer, Vital Earth whose products are made from recycled garden waste, has launched two varieties of green roof media - Sedum Roof and Meadow Roof. Both mixes are based on specially matured and graded green compost to provide optimal stability, and minimal leaching of organic matter & nutrients, plus carefully selected and graded clay aggregate, recycled from virgin brick and tile. Sedum Medium uses 5 -14mm grade and Meadow Medium 2 - 5mm grade.
Both products provide an air-filled porosity greater than 20% v/v – as advised by the Green Roof Centre, Sheffield – and therefore good drainage, robust hardy growth and strong root action. Alternative media can also be designed and prepared to meet special requirements, for example: lawn, limestone flora and ericaceous flora. Bespoke mixes are subject to quantity requirements.
Commenting on the launch, Vital Earth’s Managing Director, Steve Harper explained, “Our research shows that this fast-growing industry prefers green roof media with appropriately green provenance – ie peat-free media derived from sustainable/recycled, UK-sourced materials. Vital Earth is a Gold Member of the Growing Media Initiative: striving to reduce use of peat in UK growing media. Furthermore, Vital Earth only sources bark from FSC-accredited plantations and uses only natural/organic UK-sourced materials. In terms of performance, Vital Earth compost is produced by composting garden waste in-vessel (sanitisation phase), then in aerated indoor windrows (maturation phase). The process is closely monitored/controlled throughout using cutting-edge instrumentation to produce compost that is consistent, weed and disease-free, high in humus/bound nutrients; low in water-soluble N & P, mature, clean, effective and good value.
“With the environmental benefits of green roofs well-established, including run-off attenuation: reduced flood-risk, UV protection: extended roof life, reduced energy-use, urban cooling, biodiversity enhancement and enrichment of working/living space, Vital Earth is delighted to be entering such an environmentally attractive market.”
Vital Earth can deliver its green roof media in bulk (tipper or walking floor trucks), IBC’s and 25 litre bags.
January 2010
Two more products from peat-free and 100% recycled composts manufacturer, Vital Earth, have been added to Wilkinson’s garden products range for the 2010 season. The popular store is now stocking the Kayak grow bag and the brand new fertiliser product, Chicken Poo™ alongside Vital Earth Multi Purpose in 10 litre packs, Seed & Cutting compost in 10 litres and Tub & Basket in 10 litres which were all so successful in 2009. The listing covers Wilkinson’s 372 stores nationwide.
Chicken Poo™, launched at GLEE is an organic fertiliser, made from natural recycled chicken manure, sourced exclusively from British free range hens. Strikingly and aptly named ‘Chicken Poo™’, it has been rigorously researched – both as a fertiliser with wholly natural ingredients and in terms of its fun presentation. The quirky and colourful name, packaging and POS were shown to be extremely motivating, especially when coupled with the ‘happy hens’ theme. The established Kayak grow bag, so-called because of its boat-like shape, was developed specially for nurturing tomatoes, vegetable/ other salad crops. Its unique shape provides a reservoir to hold water more efficiently, aid absorption and provide for deeper root growth.
All the products have an excellent shelf-life of more than 12 months thanks to the slow release of nitrogen properties of Vitalizer, Vital Earth’s unique growth booster.
Commenting on the continued listing of Vital Earth, Wilkinson Gardening Buyer, Lloyd Taylor comments, “Wilkinson prides itself on offering customers high quality and affordable everyday essentials. The Vital Earth range of recycled, eco-friendly products always prove popular in our gardening section and helps us all minimize our impact on the environment. We are keen to build on last year’s success.”
Vital Earth peat-free and recycled composts and fertilisers have rrps from £2.99.
December 2009
Peat-free and 100% recycled composts manufacturer, Vital Earth is offering retailers terrific spring promotion featuring four bags of garden soil for £10.
Vital Earth garden soil is a recycled product, which comes in 25 litre bags with an rrp of £2.99 per bag and represents an economic alternative to premium topsoil products. The promotion lasts from January to March 2010. Retailers can place orders from December onwards with product being delivered into store from April.
Commenting on the promotion, marketing manager, Maryanne Stokes said, “This is an especially good opportunity for garden retailers to have a core product in stock at an especially competitive price. We hope that the deal will also give new Vital Earth stockists a perfect opportunity to try us out for the first time.”
There are now over 30 compost products in the Vital Earth range all made form recycled garden waste, together with topsoils and mulches. The new ‘Chicken Poo’ fertiliser, featuring ‘happy hens’, is sourced entirely from UK free range flocks. All the products have an excellent shelf-life of more than 12 months and are extensively trialled and tested before being launched to the market.
