Paperpots are paper-based seedling container that are used during the entire seedling raising period. They are exposed to water and the soil with a lot of microorganisms which break paper fibers, so the conventional paperpots are designed to be durable enough to prevent from breaking down before transplanting.
However, the durability of paperpots means that they are difficult to decompose even after transplanting. We have been struggling to solve this problem, and this time, developed the world’s first switch-type decomposable paperpot. The base paper is strengthened with citric acid cross-linking instead of chemical fiber, which can be broken down when treated with alkaline water. This technology achieves both durability and decomposability of paperpots that was difficult with the conventional base paper.
Applying this technology, we will develop decomposable paperpots as commercial products. We also aim to contribute to the growth of organic farming by complying with organic standards for agricultural materials.
12-14, Mita 3-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0073, Japan
