Peat-free composts are the only option: Baumarkt retail chain guarantees completely peat-free soils
Cologne, Germany - Home improvement and garden retailer, toom DIY, has made a significant stride towards sustainability by entirely transitioning its soil range to peat-free alternatives. This move aligns the company's long-term goal set in 2015 to offer a peat-free soil selection for both its own brand and private label products.
Peatlands serve critical functions, storing carbon dioxide, regulating water balance, and providing essential habitats for rare animal and plant species. However, these delicate ecosystems are threatened due to peat extraction for potting soil production, causing habitat destruction, climate-damaging CO2 emissions, and biodiversity loss.
toom DIY's shift to peat-free soil not only supports bog protection but also paves the way for sustainable plant cultivation. "We are delighted to offer peat-free soil to our customers, making sustainable gardening more accessible," said Dominique Rotondi, Director of Warehouse and Logistics at toom DIY.
Beyond the peat-free soil range, toom continues to explore sustainable plant cultivation methods, with over 300 ornamental plants now offered as peat-free or reduced-peat alternatives.
toom DIY's commitment to sustainability extends beyond peat-free soil. The company has been instrumental in developing the HORTICERT certification, which assesses the ecological, social, and economic sustainability of peat substitutes. In 2024, soil manufacturer Gebr. Mayer, a sister company within the REWE Group, became the first German company to receive HORTICERT certification.
toom's dedication to bog protection is further demonstrated through its membership in the "Alliance of Pioneers," which focuses on rewetting former peatlands to restore damaged ecosystems and drive bog conservation. The ultimate objective is to rehabilitate degraded ecosystems, create sustainable biomass value chains for paludiculture, and contribute positively to climate and environmental protection. Additionally, toom collaborates with the University of Applied Sciences Nürtingen-Geislingen on the project "Hobby gardening with peat-reduced and peat-free substrates," aimed at developing practical solutions for hobby gardeners to boost the acceptance of peat-free products.
Founded in 1927, the REWE Group—which includes toom DIY—is a leading trading and tourism conglomerate in Germany and Europe. With approximately 300 markets in its portfolio (including toom Baumarkt, B1 Discount Baumarkt, and Klee Gartenfachmarkt), 18,000 employees, and a turnover of around 3 billion euros, toom ranks among the leading providers in the German DIY market.
Contact:REWE Grouptoom Baumarkt GmbHPress and Public RelationsDaria EzaziHumboldtstraße 140-14451149 CologneTel.: 0221-149-6272Fax: 0221-149-976272Email: [email protected]
Source: ots
- The transition of toom DIY's soil range to peat-free alternatives promotes environmental-science, as it reduces CO2 emissions from climate-change caused by peat extraction and supports the restoration of peatlands, essential habitats for rare species.
- By offering a peat-free soil selection and exploring sustainable plant cultivation methods, toom DIY encourages sustainable-living and gardening, making eco-friendly choices more accessible to its customers.
- Along with its commitment to peat-free soil, the company has spearheaded efforts in developing the HORTICERT certification and collaborating with the University of Applied Sciences Nürtingen-Geislingen to promote the acceptance of peat-reduced and peat-free substrates in home-and-garden practices.
- Toom DIY's dedication to sustainability and bog conservation extends beyond its business operations, as demonstrated through its membership in the "Alliance of Pioneers" and its project partnerships aimed at driving peatland rehabilitation, sustainable biomass value chains, and overall climate and environmental protection.
