Feb 13, 2009

New Bio Pot Available This SpringSource: Ball Horticultural Company

Beginning April 1, 2009, growers will have a new packaging option to assist them in their sustainable efforts. A joint effort by Ball Horticultural Company and Summit Plastic Company, the new OP47 Bio Pot is made from 100 percent renewable resources and is completely biodegradable and compostable.

The pot is the first bio pot produced by using thermoform production in North America. It is manufactured in Akron, Ohio, and is available by Summit Plastics Company.

The container, available in 4- and 6-inch sizes, will fit existing automated potting machinery and handles, ships and stores like any standard thermoform pot. “This unique product is the first of many that demonstrates our support for growers to adopt more sustainable growing practices,” said Bill Doeckel of Ball Horticultural Company.

Summit also produces PLA trays to fit both pot sizes. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a sustainable material made from cornstarch, with a look and feel of petroleum-based plastic. The combination of these two products provides growers with a complete sustainable solution, according to a Ball press release.

In July 2008, Ball and Summit announced an agreement to manufacture and market sustainable packaging options for the horticulture industry. “Both Ball and Summit are committed to providing their customers with practical, completely biodegradable, environmentally preferable choices. We are pleased to offer the first thermoformed bio pot in the market,” said Norm Belliveau, chief executive officer of Summit Plastic Company. Summit also will have exclusive rights to sell and distribute the pot in North America.

For more information, contact Summit Plastic Company at (800) 814-3496, or contact your Ball sales rep. See these products on display at Pack Trials during the Ball Solutions Showcase in Santa Paula, Calif., from March 28 to April 3.