Objectives
Sustainable infrastructure works is an area that receives little attention in terms of green public procurement. For example, polypropylene-based plastic coverings are widely used in the gardening sector but natural alternatives such as jute and coconut are not popular because they are heavy, difficult to handle and visually unappealing.
The basic objective of this project is to enhance green public procurement (GPP) by demonstrating to municipal authorities the ecological advantages of three, high-quality, innovative products based on 100% renewable resources.
3 Product groups will be evaluated:
- Weed control
- Erosion control
- Fertility mat
These products are a substitute for conventional mulch and barrier fleeces, made of oil-based materials (polypropylene). The life span of these innovative products is estimated at 3-5 years, whereas competitive alternatives have a useful life of 2-3 years. Moreover, the biopolymers used in these new products can be composted at the end of the life cycle, whereas conventional polypropylene needs to be incinerated.