Using nature to heal nature.

Validating a new erosion control product for remote environments

The Opportunity

Soil erosion and contamination are critical issues for society. Flooding, fires and other natural disasters are wreaking havoc on lands around the world. Without healthy soil, ecosystems falter, with ripple down effects to humans such as water quality issues. But many soil erosion products contain plastics, and are in the process of being banned in many jurisdictions. Plantae has developed a sustainable method of using natural plant fibres to help restore and protect soil.

The Challenge

Plantae’s solution converts agricultural, forestry, and food waste biomass into fibre products that naturally enhance soil stability and accelerate the recovery of healthy ecosystems. But some customers have requested a product that does not require water in the application process. Plantae is innovating on its original technology by creating a dry plant-based mulch that can be applied on large landscapes without water. 

NPC’s Solution

NPC provided $350,000 through its Proof of Concept Program to help Plantae advance development of this new product. Building on initial research, Plantae will refine the fibre and pellet formulation, conduct tests to validate performance, and assess manufacturing process and cost, before final formulation and IP protection.