HORTICERT: Advancing Sustainability in the Growing Media Sector Through Certification

Project Background

The growing media industry—encompassing potting soils and substrates—has long relied on peat for its agronomic qualities. However, peat extraction is associated with significant ecological impacts, including high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the degradation of carbon‑rich ecosystems.

In response to increasing regulatory expectations, consumers are increasingly demanding for more sustainable products. In line with the German government’s peat reduction strategy, Meo Carbon Solutions (MCS) has developed HORTICERT, the first and only international certification system dedicated to sustainable peat substitutes.

Launched into regular operation in 2024, HORTICERT certifies peat substitutes and peat‑reduced substrates along their entire international supply chain—from raw material production to final substrate manufacturing. The system is now being used by companies across Europe and Asia, with more than 20 certified production sites across five countries.

The Challenge

Peat extraction and peat‑based substrate production are major contributors to sector‑wide GHG emissions. Substituting peat with alternative materials—such as green waste compost, wood fibers, bark humus or coconut‑based products—can significantly reduce climate impacts. Yet, before HORTICERT, no harmonized system existed to verify the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of these peat substitutes.

Key challenges in the sector included:

Lack of transparency and traceability in global supply chains for peat alternatives, particularly in regions where social or environmental risks are higher (e.g., South Asia for coconut-based products).
Inconsistent sustainability requirements across markets—leaving manufacturers and retailers without a clear, credible benchmark.
Limited awareness and tools enabling producers to evaluate their own environmental footprint or demonstrate measurable improvements.

Creating a system that could close these gaps—while remaining practical, auditable and internationally applicable—was essential for accelerating the shift toward peat‑free and peat‑reduced horticulture.

Our Solutions

MCS led the concept design, development and implementation of HORTICERT through a multi‑stakeholder process involving more than 40 partners from industry, science, civil society and government.

Key elements of the solution included:

Development of a robust sustainability standard covering ecological, social and economic criteria for raw material production, processing and substrate manufacturing.
Creation of a unified GHG calculation methodology allowing companies to transparently quantify the carbon footprint of peat substitutes and compare it with peat‑based reference products.
Implementation of HORTI‑TRACE, a digital traceability system enabling end‑to‑end monitoring of certified material flows across international supply chains.
Pilot testing across diverse production regions—including Germany, Belgium, India and Sri Lanka—to ensure global applicability and refine risk‑based audit requirements.
Establishment of a robust integrity and quality management framework, including accreditation pathways and collaboration with independent certification bodies.

Through these components, HORTICERT became the first system capable of certifying all major peat substitutes, ensuring they meet high sustainability benchmarks.

Our Approach

To ensure effectiveness and long‑term credibility, MCS adopted a structured, multi‑phase development approach:

Phase 1: Concept Development (2021–2022)

MCS worked with stakeholders to define sustainability principles, criteria and indicators aligned with international best practices and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Phase 2: Pilot Testing and System Optimization (2022–2024)

MCS audited more than 20 production sites across four countries to test feasibility, assess regional risk levels and refine verification processes. The pilots revealed significant differences in social and environmental risk profiles between peat substitute types and regions (e.g., higher risks in regions with limited regulatory frameworks).

Phase 3: Transition to Regular Operation (2024–2025)

HORTICERT began issuing the first certificates in 2024. Audit checklists, system documents and comprehensive guidelines were finalized and made available through the HORTICERT Client Section. MCS also implemented additional digital tools and communication strategies to support market uptake.

Throughout the project, MCS ensured deep stakeholder engagement, running workshops, consultations and training sessions to build capacity among producers, auditors and retailers.

The Results

HORTICERT has quickly emerged as a transformative system for the growing media industry:

Regular certification began in 2024, with 26 certificates already issued across five countries by February 2026.
The system now provides a credible sustainability benchmark for all major peat substitutes, including green waste compost, wood fibers, bark humus and coconut‑based products.
Through the alignment and recognition of the Growing Media Europe (GME) GHG Guidance, companies can now certify their quantified climate benefits, particularly the GHG savings of peat-free and peat‑reduced substrates.
The HORTICERT Seal—available on consumer products such as potting soils at leading retailers—enables transparent communication of sustainability claims to consumers. It confirms sustainable production practices and verifiable content of certified peat substitutes.
Producers certified under HORTICERT report increased market acceptance and improved transparency across their supply chains. Retailers highlight the system as essential for meeting their sustainability commitments and advancing peat‑free product portfolios.

Ultimately, HORTICERT strengthens the entire sector’s transition toward a more sustainable, transparent and climate-conscious growing media industry providing measurable environmental benefits and supporting responsible sourcing practices worldwide.