For Immediate Release
Grow-Tech LLC, a soil-less growing media manufacturer, based out of South Portland, Maine, announces the development of BioStrate™ an “industry first” growing media certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a “Biobased Product.”
The Research and Development of BioStrate™
Early on in the development of BioStrate, Grow-Tech was awarded a SBIR grant through the USDA for the “Development and commercialization of a biodegradable stabilized growing media.” With the support of the USDA, Grow-Tech partnered with leading Universities and International Organizations to aid in the development.
Scott Kennedy, Chief Technical Officer of Grow-Tech, comments on the development of BioStrate™:
“The BioStrate product presented numerous challenges such as defining a satisfactory chemical composition, tailoring performance characteristics, establishing manufacturing and converting procedures, and beta trials. Research and development will continue as the product matures and the need arises to address market shifts.”
After several successful beta trials at greenhouses worldwide, Grow-Tech is now shifting gears into the production and distribution of the product.
The Benefits of BioStrate for Commercial Propagators
BioStrate allows commercial propagators to replace traditional forms of growing media with a more environmentally friendly and faster rooting growing media. BioStrate can also be composted at a commercial composting facility instead of being disposed of in a landfill.
BioStrate Certifications
Biostrate has been certified as a “Biobased Product” by the USDA. The product is also certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute and Din Certco (in Europe) for meeting the ASTM 6400 and EIN13432 regulations for intended disposal in commercial composting facilities.
More Information on Grow-Tech LLC
Grow-Tech is a leading manufacturer of growing media for commercial growers in floriculture, horticulture, hydroponics and forestry. The company has four main product lines: FlexiPlugs®, FlexiTrays®, BioStrate, and FlexiLine® Machinery.
Grow-Tech is a portfolio company of Anania & Associates Investment Company and has a 30,000 square foot manufacturing facility in South Portland, Maine.
