1998 – Sustainability as a foundation

In the 1960s and 1970s, increasing attention was paid to the fragility of the environment. Publications at home and abroad urged care in dealing with nature and the environment, leading to the rise of ecological green space management. This brought a new approach to park management and called for innovations in products and plant assortment. The nursery anticipated this by developing an assortment that suited ecological green management. For example, wild dog’s trowel was introduced, a plant that fitted perfectly within this new approach.

ISO 14001 Certificate: Leader in environmental management

In 1998, the Darthuizer Group obtained ISO 14001 certification, an international standard for environmental management systems. This certificate recognizes companies that actively take measures to reduce environmental risks. During the certification process, the nursery developed an environmental management system that documented how business activities took the environment into account, and how risks were reduced or prevented. With this certification, the company underscored its responsibility for sustainable operations and positioned itself as a forerunner in environmentally conscious green space management.

Introducing the cocopot

Also in 1998, the Darthuizer Group took a big step toward sustainability with the introduction of the coco pot. After a 20-year development process, this biodegradable plant pot, made from organic material, went into production. This marked a departure from the traditional, non-biodegradable plastic pots and bags.

As one of the first companies in the industry to make this switch, the Darthuizer Group demonstrated that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. The cocopot embodied the company’s vision: to contribute to a greener and more sustainable world. Yet the market was not yet fully prepared for this change. With a price difference of ten guilder cents per pot, the cocopot was more expensive than plastic alternatives, and although sustainability was receiving increasing attention, the willingness to invest extra was still limited. With these initiatives in 1998, the Darthuizer Group emphasized its commitment to sustainable development and conservation, a vision that lives on in the company today.

Read more about sustainability anno today here.