A Real Green Future: Why Biodegradability Is Essential In The Horticultural Industry

In the packaging industry, the world generates roughly 141 million tonnes of petroleum based plastics annually. At Nature's Affinity Inc., we believe it is time to replace plastic with innovative solutions whenever possible to protect the planet while ensuring the product’s performance. Are you ready to make the switch? 

Behind Our Brand

Natures Affinity Inc. was built from the premises that a  100% biobased binder could fulfil many of the applications of petroleum and synthetic based binders. After many years, and may trials and tribulations, the scientists at NAI created several products that are both ecologically and environmentally friendly but meet the needs of specific applications.

The nanotech company started in a research laboratory at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Forestry, studying fundamental properties of natural chemicals from plants and trees. Following principles of circular bioeconomy our products are produced from tree and plant chemicals derived from waste material. Our biobased binder, Biobinder ®, has been used to make products for a wide range of industries which include food packaging and horticulture.

Get to Know Our Product Range

Of our biobased products, we offer two innovative solutions, Biobinder ® and Biocoat : 

• Biobinder ® is a binding treatment that provides paper fibres with a near permanent water resistance that can be applied to all types of fibre (Kraft, Sulphite, TMP, and Recycled). 

• Biocoat is a coating treatment that generates an impervious barrier to water, oil and oxygen. This application can be applied to paper, paperboard and moulded paper products. 

Why the switch to alternative biobased binders?

All our binders are 100% biobased allowing them to be fully biodegradable, repulpable, and compostable. This isn’t always applicable for other renewable products on the market, as some biobased materials still require manual and chemical assistance to biodegrade. 

Additionally, our binding treatments provide paper fibres with durable and flexible characteristics that are similar to petroleum based binders without the adverse effects on the environment. 

Current Applications of Our Products: Plant-EE™ Pots

At this time, our main focus is the application of Biobinder ® in our 100% biodegradable horticultural pots, Plant-EE™ Pots. From the water resistant characteristics of our Biobinder ®, our Plant-EE™ Pots are stable in a greenhouse environment, fully biodegradable, and plantable while eliminating transplanting shock to roots. Plant-EE™ Pots are in the final stages of testing to confirm its successful application in the container tree nursery system. The pots and the materials are specifically created to avoid root circling and promote air pruning to foster the development of a healthy and robust root system.

Click HERE to find out more on the benefits of Plant-EE™ Pots

Track our progress on our project through our blogs.

Bottom Line

Although single use plastic is convenient and easily accessible within packaging industries at this time, growing demands for long - term strategies outlined in the Paris Agreement are pushing the industries to Zero Waste Initiatives. 

In Canada, the introduction of the Single - use Plastics Prohibition Regulations (SUPPR) was generated to meet its target for zero plastic waste by 2030 while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

As we move forward, we are eager to share our successes and challenges with you. Especially as industries continue to pivot towards greener alternatives, Nature’s Affinity Inc. plans to be among the leaders in this sustainable journey providing innovative solutions. 

Come along with us as we inspire changes within our industry.