Page 22 - Griffin Gazette - July 2026

That evolution is also changing how growers evaluate
sustainability programs internally. Programs that succeed
are the ones that support and improve labor structures,
shipping schedules, production workflows, and equipment
systems. More sustainable outcomes are shown to come
from this focus on simplicity and practicality.

Recycling programs offer one of the clearest examples Importantly, sustainability is no longer
of this reality. The industry increasingly recognizes that isolated within a single department or
recyclability alone does not guarantee recovery. Without initiative. Decisions involving packaging,
local infrastructure, coordinated logistics, and scalable disposal, logistics, procurement, and
processing systems, many materials still end up in landfills reporting now carry broader financial and
despite being technically recyclable. operational implications. Environmental
stewardship is now an essential part of
For growers, successful recycling programs must fit
every company’s overall business strategy.
seamlessly into existing operations. Collection systems need
to accommodate commercial-scale volume, transportation Perhaps the biggest lesson emerging
logistics must be reliable, and recovery partnerships must across the industry is that progress
minimize operational disruption. matters more than perfection. Long-term
sustainability impact is rarely driven by
At the same time, the industry’s understanding of waste
one-time initiatives or highly publicized
streams is expanding. Sustainability efforts are no longer
launches. Instead, progress comes from
focused exclusively on plastics. Corrugate, pallets, metal,
repeatable systems that can be maintained,
and mixed materials are increasingly being incorporated
measured, and improved over time.
into comprehensive recovery programs designed to improve
efficiency across the operation. The ability to include As the horticulture industry moves forward,
the broader assortment of materials is a core element of the growers best positioned for success will
Growscape’s ReSource Recycling program. likely be those who embrace sustainability
as an operational framework rather than a
This broader systems approach is also being shaped by
standalone program. Practical execution,
ongoing supply chain volatility. Localized sourcing and
measurable outcomes, and scalable systems
regional recovery partnerships are becoming more valuable,
are becoming the new standard.
both economically and environmentally. Regional execution
can reduce transportation emissions while creating more In today’s environment, responsible growth
resilient supply networks. is ultimately defined not by what growers
can start, but by what they can sustain.
Regulatory pressure is adding another layer of urgency. State-
level sustainability legislation continues to evolve rapidly,
particularly around extended producer responsibility (EPR) and
packaging accountability. In many cases, financial and reporting
obligations now extend deeper into the supply chain. As a
result, Growscape continues to invest resources in remaining
compliant with all regulatory obligations, including minimum
Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) content requirements, as well
as partnering with its customers to do the same.
Innovation in materials is evolving alongside these changes.
New product development is increasingly focused on
balancing environmental responsibility with real-world
performance requirements. Next generation sustainable
materials like Growscape’s ReTerra plantable bioplastic
are gaining attention because they are being engineered
to maintain durability, functionality, and scalability in
commercial applications.

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