NZPPI SUSTAINABLE FUTURES AWARD

The nursery, which specialises in flowers and houseplants, has transitioned its glasshouse heating systems from gas to a CO2 heat pump system and installed over 7 million litres of water storage capacity.

Van Lier Nurseries' innovative approach exemplifies how sustainable choices can be both cost-effective and beneficial to business operations.

The nursery has pioneered several sustainable practices:

• The first in the cut flower industry to transition from plastic sleeves to compostable and recyclable paper sleeves
• Using cardboard inserts for pot plants instead of plastic packaging.
• Moved from using bore water to solely relying on rainwater, expanding water storage capacity from 3.5 million litres to 7 million litres through reservoirs and tanks.
• Switching from rockwool to coir for growing cut flowers, paired with a locally sourced potting mix.

When receiving their award at our 2024 conference dinner, Marisa and Harry emphasised that choosing sustainable options was not always more difficult or expensive; "It involves research, creativity, and adjustments to business processes. Our commitment to reducing our environmental impact has received positive feedback from customers, reinforcing their loyalty to our business.