Netherlands-based Natural Plastics has created a new tree support system out of bioplastic anchors and ropes.
Tree planters traditionally use wooden stakes as growth supports but these stakes in themselves are not very environmentally friendly. Wooden stakes are made from older, felled trees and they are often shipped long distances, says Natural Plastics.
The company is therefore using an underground set of bioplastic anchors and ropes made of Cradonyl, a renewable corn-based resin produced by UK-based Biome Bioplastics. The components are fully biodegradable and have been engineered to break down after five years when the maturing trees no longer need support.