Reducing Peat Use Responsibly
Peatlands are vital carbon sinks, yet half of Europe’s peatlands are already damaged. Horticulture still relies on peat for mushrooms, seedlings and flowers, at a heavy environmental cost. PEATLESS is a three‑year EU‑funded project uniting twelve partners to co‑create sustainable, locally sourced growing media and test them across four European regions.
At a glance:
Key Insights
Why Reduce Peat?
Safeguarding our carbon‑rich ecosystems
Peatlands store vast amounts of carbon yet half of Europe’s peatlands are damaged; lowering peat use protects ecosystems and supports climate goals
Developing Sustainable Substrates
Co‑creating innovative lower‑peat blends
We co‑create lower‑peat growing media with growers and scientists and test them in real‑world trials
Demonstrations Across Europe
Real‑world trials in key regions
Our blends are trialled in La Rioja, Pistoia, Flanders and Seeland across mushrooms, seedlings and ornamental systems
Social & Economic Transition
Training, outreach & business models
Workshops, training and techno‑economic assessments build confidence and foster sustainable business models
Our Consortium
12 partners, 4 countries
Researchers, technologists, growers and policymakers from Spain, Belgium, Italy and Switzerland work together
Timeline & Impact
36 months, 6 work packages
This three‑year project spans six work packages and aims to save 2.5 million m³ of peat and cut 900,000 t CO₂
