Peat reduction in ornamental horticulture is becoming an increasingly important priority for the sector. Following the overview of the ornamental potted plant industry, it is essential to address the growing dependence on peat as a primary growing medium and the challenges this creates in a changing environmental and market context.

Due to its natural properties, peat has been widely used for decades in horticulture, providing the technical characteristics required for plant growth, including water availability, drainage, absence of pathogens, and nutrient retention. However, the need for peat reduction in ornamental horticulture is now gaining relevance as both environmental and economic pressures intensify.

A Resource Under Pressure

Peat remains a key raw material in the ornamental horticulture industry, but its extraction and use are increasingly under scrutiny. Globally, approximately 60 million cubic metres of peat are extracted each year, with around 83% originating from Europe.

At the same time, peatland degradation represents a significant environmental issue. In Europe, around 10% of peatland areas have been completely lost, while approximately 50% are classified as degraded, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and reinforcing the urgency of peat reduction in ornamental horticulture.

Market Pressure and Global Demand

The need for peat reduction in ornamental horticulture is also shaped by global market dynamics. Exports of European peat to China have increased significantly in recent years, growing by around 40% annually since 2015 due to the expansion of horticultural activities.

This growing demand is creating a more complex supply scenario, characterised by:

• Increased competition for peat resources
• Supply constraints
• Greater price volatility

For production areas such as the Pistoia district, where high-quality substrates are essential, this creates additional uncertainty in securing consistent growing media.

A Sector in Transition

The ornamental plant sector is undergoing a broader transformation driven by environmental pressures, market dynamics, and changing consumer expectations. There is increasing awareness of the environmental impact of peat extraction and growing demand for more sustainable practices.

In this context, peat reduction in ornamental horticulture is closely linked to the development of alternative growing media. Interest is increasing in materials such as:

• Wood fibre
• Coco-peat
• Peat-coir
• Compost

These alternatives aim to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the technical performance required by growers.

The PEATLESS Project

In the Pistoia area, AVI is leading experimental trials conducted in collaboration with local growers to test locally sourced alternatives, focusing on reducing peat use while maintaining the required technical and agronomic performance. The project excludes coconut-based materials and includes compost among the alternatives being tested.

In addition, the project addresses key barriers to adoption, including:

• Technical uncertainty regarding performance
• Economic constraints
• Resistance to change within established systems

Toward More Sustainable Growing Media

The transition toward peat reduction in ornamental horticulture represents a structural shift for the sector. Ensuring supply, maintaining quality standards, and responding to environmental challenges are now central priorities.

Through initiatives such as the PEATLESS project, the sector is actively working toward a more sustainable and resilient model while preserving the competitiveness of the ornamental horticulture industry.