bio-pots

RFQ Details

The Product
Biodegradable flower pots are currently being manufactured in China using a material comprised of mixed and ground plant fiber and a non-toxic binding agent with the result that a hard and solid material is produced with the attributes of plastic but without the negative environmental consequences . This product has generated enormous interest among growers, retailers, and distributors, and it has the potential to replace plastic materials in the foreseeable future.

The Process
Plant fiber such as rice or wheat husk, corn stalks or cobs, peanut or coconut shells, or other agricultural waste products form the basis for 60 to 70% of the bio-degradable pots. What would normally be burned or discarded or buried in fields is collected, placed in a dry, turbo crushing mill and ground into a fine mulch. This mulch is then mixed with a number of organic and non toxic ingredients such as cellulose, talc powder, calcium stearate, starch, water, and 10 to 30% of a modified resin. This mixture is then spun and heat treated until it reaches a consistency capable of forming a solid structure. This solid structure is formed with the use of a pressed mould heated to a temperature of between 100 degrees C to 200 degrees C, and at a pressure of between 50 to 800 kg per square cm.

Biodegradation
When discarded, and depending on the mixture of these materials and the thickness of the finished product, the container will decompose naturally and ecologically into the earth. Our experiments have shown that when a thin flower pot with a minimum amount of resin (a grower pot, for example) is broken and discarded into the soil, the process of water, sunlight, moisture, and micro-organisms will soften the pot, reduce it to a powder form, and it will decompose, disperse, and vanish into the soil. We calculate that a thicker retail pot which is designed for longer use will decompose in 2 to 3 years after discarding.

Products with Varying Degrees of Biodegradation
Bio -pots can be made to specification and can last from 5 months to 5 years, depending on the thickness of the pot and the amount of resin used in the production process. A grower pot is designed to last half a year to a year, although if the pot is planted directly in the soil it will begin to degrade within a month or two. A pot intended for inside use and planted up under normal conditions will not show signs of degradation for about 2 to 5 yeas.

Bio-pots are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Cold weather has no negative effect on the pots and nor do high temperatures.