We are pleased to announce the release of Jiffy Group's 2023 Sustainability Report. The 24-page report includes multiple infographics and other visuals to ensure all the information is presented as effectively as possible. Download your free copy here or read on for key highlights.
Update on Jiffy's four sustainability goals and more
The 2023 report contains details on how we're building a sustainable organization worldwide, our commitment to environmental responsibility and sound governance, and an overview of our independent certifications. Above all, it's a great way to monitor Jiffy's progress on our sustainability goals in year four of our five-year plan. The goals are:
- Obtain 50% of total raw materials from sustainable sources
- 50% reduction in single-use fossil plastics
- Increase our contribution to the circular economy
- Reduce production greenhouse gas emissions by 25%
GHG emissions target achieved two years early
In 2023, we succeeded in cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 6,000 tons, sustaining our track record in reducing these emissions since 2020. “In fact, we've managed to exceed our five-year GHG target and done it two years ahead of schedule,” says Richard Stevenson. “Thanks to production improvements and using more renewable energy.”
Supporting our customers with sustainable growing media
In 2023, Jiffy made significant progress in supplying customers with growing media from sustainable and renewable sources. “One of our top priorities is developing sustainable solutions that deliver great results,” confirms Richard. “We must support growers who need to or want to reduce their impact.”
Demonstrating our commitment to this goal, in 2023 Jiffy:
- Opened an Innovation Center including a state-of-the art Grow Room
- Used a lifecycle analysis tool to calculate the footprint of our substrates
- Expanded our range of sustainable options, including Preforma Plugs and Jiffy Pots
Progress on plastics despite challenges
Exploring alternatives to single-use fossil plastics ticks multiple sustainability boxes: Not only are we reducing usage of these harmful materials, but we're also actively engaging in the circular economy in a number of projects. While harder to quantify, reducing conventional plastic usage also reduces our GHG emissions.
Jiffy's 2023 Sustainability Report details both the progress and challenges related to this aim. One example of an innovative win is PLA net, which is made from cornstarch. Bestselling products like our standard Jiffy-7 Pellets and Growblocks are now surrounded by it, instead of virgin fossil plastic net.
However, we had to dial back use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics in some packaging to maintain its quality and durability. For instance, during comprehensive trials at our biggest substrate production plant, located in Zwijndrecht, Netherlands, we discovered that bags made with 80% PCR plastic performed poorly. We reduced the PCR plastic content to 50%, and their performance is excellent.
“These challenges show how ambitious are targets around plastics reduction are,” says Richard.
Let’s work together
Jiffy is a leading global supplier of premium growing media and solution thinking. We aim to serve you, our customers in plant propagation and cultivation, to achieve better results with fewer worries. We do this by continually improving, innovating, and working toward our common goals, based on scientific research, teamwork, and decades of experience. Let’s develop sustainable plant growing solutions together: Let’s start today!
Get your copy now
Ready to take a deeper dive into Jiffy Group's sustainability stats for 2023? Simply download your free copy of the 2023 Sustainability Report now.