Small scale composting of greenhouse foliage

In this showcases VLACO and the Research Station for Vegetable Production work together on the residual stream of fruit vegetable foliage. In Flanders, this accounts for some 15,000 tons per year. This is a residual stream that is difficult to recycle due to the presence of non-biodegradable auxiliary materials (nylon ropes, clips, brackets, etc.). The use of biobased plastics or other degradable components such as viscose is a step in the right direction. However, compostability remains a challenge. In addition, these foliage residues become available in a short period of time in the fall.

In the showcase, greenhouse foliage will be composted in smaller-scale farm composting. The end product of this will be used in the multi-year compost trial that has been running since 2006 at location of the Research Station.

CLOSECYCLE is building on the initial results obtained in Cmartlfe from 2021-2023. For the residual streams released from the different fruiting vegetables, the findings were detailed in interesting fact sheets.

Small scale composting

Last year preparations have been made to include residual streams containing biodegradable materials. In the research station's greenhouse, plants were grown, using PLA-based materials. This cultivation will also be used to raise awareness about biodegradable clips, ropes, and other supporting materials. With the goal of convincing growers to adopt these alternatives. These residual streams will serve as input material for Showcase 3.

The trial demonstrates how biobased materials break down in the compost process and where improvements can be made. The greenhouse foliage will also be composted in smaller-scale farm composting. The end product of this will be used in our multi-year compost trial that has been running since 2006.