Waste contractor Onyx and Vitacress Salads have come together to keep salads green. Vitacress have awarded a contract to Onyx for the recycling of 100% of their salad leaves which don’t make it through the packing process.

The leaves and watercress which are not suitable for packing were previously being sent to landfill. Thanks to the contract, they are now being recycled into Pro-Grow, an organic soil conditioner.

Pro-Grow, which had its organic accreditation renewed this month, has been produced by Onyx for over five years. "We undertook an audit for Vitacress to establish what elements of their waste we could take for recycling. Vitacress now deliver the salad leaves to our Chilbolton, Hampshire site." says Peter Mills, composting manager for Onyx. "Because the material we receive from Vitacress is so clean and green it is perfect for adding to the process. "

"Vitacress operate a pro-active environmental policy. We are constantly reviewing and expanding the ways in which we can minimise the environmental impact of our production process" says Dr Steve Rothwell, managing director of Vitacress’s growing division.

"We were unhappy that spoiled or over produced material was going to landfill and our objective was to find an environmentally friendly alternative. We became aware of Onyx through Project Integra and our ensuing collaboration has allowed us not only to meet our objectives, but to exceed them."

Vitacress have gone on to close the recycling loop. Pro-Grow is currently being tested for use as part of an on-going policy by Vitacress to ensure the integrity and sustainability of the soil in their growing areas and initial trial results are extremely promising.

Ends

Issued by: Sue Roberts, Polymedia 01329 663194

For further information contact: Peter Mills on 01962 764000

NOTE TO EDITORS

Vitacress Salads are Europe’s largest grower and packer of watercress and baby leaf salads and at the height of summer production pack a million bags each week, supplying national chains such as Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer.