Sustainability at Skye Mountain Microgreens
Here’s our clear, honest view of how we grow greener—today and over the next few years.
Our Organic Seeds & Growing Ethos
- Organically certified seed: We source seeds certified by recognised UK/EU bodies (e.g., Soil Association or equivalent).
- Chemical-free by design: No pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilisers—ever.
- Local production: You grow at home; our seed punnets are prepared in the UK to keep miles—and emissions—down.
- Water-wise: MicroWick™ delivers the right moisture with a single fill, using up to 90% less water than conventional field growing.
Materials That Matter
- Coco-coir punnets: Pre-filled, peat-free and plant-based—coir repurposes a by-product of coconut processing.
- Minimal, plastic-lite packaging: We prioritise compostable or recyclable formats; where a food-safe barrier is essential, we keep components easy to separate for recycling.
- Reusable systems: GrowGarden™ frames and trays are built for years of service—the most sustainable tray is the one you keep using.
Coco Coir: Our Sustainable Growing Medium
- Peat-free by default: No peat bogs disturbed—protecting carbon stores and biodiversity.
- Waste repurposed: Coir turns agricultural by-product into a high-performing, renewable medium.
- Optimised for microgreens: Washed and buffered for low salinity and stable pH, giving consistent germination and strong roots in MicroWick™ punnets.
- Clean, not “sterile”: Coir is steam-pasteurised, washed and buffered for a clean, low-pathogen medium—ideal for healthy growth (true sterility isn’t claimed).
- Approved for organic growing: We prioritise coir that is approved as an input for organic cultivation (e.g., Soil Association/OF&G Approved Inputs or OMRI Listed).
- Responsible sourcing: Long-standing suppliers with quality, water-management and fair-labour controls; documentation reviewed before onboarding.
- Packaging with a lighter touch: Compact refills reduce transport emissions; outers are recyclable or compostable where possible.
- End-of-life wins: Add spent coir and roots to home compost or food-waste (check local guidance). Coir improves soil structure and water retention when dug into beds and planters.
Our Punnets & Packaging: Circular by Choice
For any food-contact packaging that must be plastic, we specify 100% recycled PET (RPET) where feasible—supporting a circular economy by turning used bottles into new, food-grade packs that can be recycled again. We actively track innovations and will switch when a proven, lower-impact option emerges.
Why sometimes RPET?
- Higher UK/EU recycling rates for PET compared with many alternatives.
- Food-grade safety via established “super-cleaning” processes.
- Kerbside-recyclable streams in most councils.
Our GrowGarden™ Frames (Metal Systems)
- Durable steel construction: Long life = lower footprint per harvest.
- Low-VOC finishes: Powder-coated metal avoids solvent-heavy paints.
- Easy to repair: Standard fixings; spare parts available where possible.
- End-of-life: Steel is widely recyclable—separate plastic feet/accessories before recycling at your local HWRC.
Energy Use
- Efficient LEDs: High output per watt keeps running costs to just a few pence per day.
- Right-size systems: Multiple sizes mean you only power the capacity you’ll actually use.
The Extra Step
Waste, Reuse & Returns
- Design out waste: Refill punnets ship compactly with no unnecessary fillers.
- Compost the coir: After harvest, add spent coir and roots to home compost or food-waste caddies (check local guidance).
- Take-back ready: We’re exploring practical take-back pilots for worn components; meanwhile, we’ll help you find the best local recycling route.
Sourcing & Transport
- UK-first sourcing: We prioritise UK/EU suppliers for seeds, coir and components to shorten supply chains.
- Fewer deliveries: Bundled subscriptions reduce transport emissions per punnet.
- Plain-pack logistics: We reuse transport cartons and choose right-sized boxes to cut void space.
Our Commitments & Targets
- Now: 100% peat-free punnets; no pesticides or synthetic fertilisers; minimal, plastic-lite outer packaging.
- 2025–2026: Publish estimated carbon per punnet and per 100 g harvested; introduce a spares programme for frames and trays.
- By 2027: Transition essential plastics to verified 100% recycled content or certified compostable where appropriate; at least 50% of outbound packaging by weight from recycled paper/card.
- Ongoing: Regularly review new materials and update this page with what we change and why.
How You Can Help
- Separate for recycling: Rinse and recycle any RPET where used; compost coir and roots.
- Extend product life: Keep frames dry, don’t overload shelves, and replace small parts instead of whole units.
- Choose the right size: Pick a GrowGarden™ that matches your weekly harvest so energy isn’t wasted.
Transparency Promise
We’re building a food system that’s fresher, cleaner and closer to home. That means straight answers—no greenwash. If you have a question about materials, energy or end-of-life, message us on WhatsApp or Facebook and we’ll share what we know, plus what we’re improving next.
Last updated: 2 October 2025.