Accelerating efforts to collect and recycle tree shelters, plus the need for better understanding of the science behind biodegradable shelters, were the key priorities identified following a stakeholder day attended by representatives from key national forestry and land management organisations.
Attendees from CONFOR, Forestry England, the Forestry Working Plastics Group and other key organisations were hosted at Tubex’s Aberdare facility as part of its Stakeholder Day – held in the wake of a planting season defined by debates over the use of plastics in forestry.
The delegates came together for impactful round-table discussions on the future of tree shelter use and the challenges currently facing tree planters across the UK.
Accelerating efforts to collect and recycle tree shelters, plus the need for better understanding of the science behind biodegradable shelters, were the key priorities identified following a stakeholder day attended by representatives from key national forestry and land management organisations.
Attendees from CONFOR, Forestry England, the Forestry Working Plastics Group and other key organisations were hosted at Tubex’s Aberdare facility as part of its Stakeholder Day – held in the wake of a planting season defined by debates over the use of plastics in forestry.
The delegates came together for impactful round-table discussions on the future of tree shelter use and the challenges currently facing tree planters across the UK.
Key issues identified in the discussions were the desire to ramp up tree shelter collection efforts, particularly legacy tree shelters, and the importance of independent long-term cost analysis (LCA) research into biodegradable materials.
A need for public engagement on why tree shelters are required and the importance of educating landowners on the availability of recycling initiatives were also highlighted.
“Foresters and tree planters are facing a raft of challenges at the moment, so honest, impactful discussions are key to finding the best way forward” said James Taylor, Product Line Director at Tubex.
The event was the second of its kind held by tree shelter manufacturer Tubex and follows the expansion of its Collection & Recycling Programme with the launch of free collection hubs located across the UK in partnership with Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust.
At the event, Tubex demonstrated its commitment to tree shelter recycling by outlining the current success of the scheme and its plans for the future of the programme. Attendees were encouraged to give feedback on how to further develop the scheme to maximise recycling rates.
Tubex also showed a preview of its work with an independent research institute into the long-term efficacy and environmental impact of biodegradable tree shelters.
“We are delighted at the positive reception to both the Collection & Recycling Programme and our biodegradable research initiatives, and we look forward to sharing more on these in the near future” continued James Taylor.
One of the stakeholders in attendance was Richard Hunter, Technical and Industry Support Manager at CONFOR, who said, “The open day was extremely interesting, seeing Tubex’s modern manufacturing plant, the research behind its products and its drive to innovate within the sector.”
“In times when forestry is under scrutiny to hit planting targets whilst capturing and storing carbon it is important that we can also be seen to be dealing with issues of the past such as recycling old tubes.”
For more information on Tubex’s Collection & Recycling Programme, follow the link here.