Envu showcase solutions to improve environmental best practice at Saltex

Sustainable best practice was high on the agenda for the Envu Turf and Amenity Solutions Team at Saltex, and underlining its commitment to environmental best practice, the company showcased two new solutions that promise to ensure more responsible use of chemicals.

The solutions can be used in both the vegetation management and the sports turf sectors, and were on show on 2 and 3 November.

“Following on from our involvement at the STRI research event and the Amenity Forum, we showcased the innovative easyFlow and Phytobac technologies developed by Envu and also discussed the importance of correct stewardship practises including resistance management and correct application rates,” says Colin Mumford, Envu technical manager.

The first solution Envu demonstrated was the easyFlow, which is designed to improve operator safety when tank mixing or filling, and is the first closed, contamination-avoiding, self-cleaning transfer system for liquid plant protection products on the market.

“The state of the art system has been proven to improve health and safety of the operator by up to 96% by reducing spillage and exposure with its closed transfer and rinsing system. This will in turn save money, because it reduces waste, as well as being better for the environment.” says Colin.

The second solution that Envu showcased was the Phytobac - a closed system treatment disposal unit, similar to a bio-bed, that is used to safely dispose of chemicals and waste water from washing down spraying equipment. The system encourages best practise and will help end users follow pesticide stewardship guidelines.

“The Phytobac is filled with soil and barley straw that harbour bacteria which feed on pesticides to dispose of them naturally without harming the external environment,” says Colin.

Visitors to Saltex were able to speak to the Turf and Amenity Solutions team about these initiatives as well as other stewardship topics such as integrated pest and disease management, the best practices to employ to reduce resistance, and advice on selecting and using appropriate products.

The blueprints for the Phytobac system and a calculator to determine the size of system required will soon be available, free of charge, on the Envu Environmental Science website. “we we’re really pleased with the engagement we received on the initiatives, and encourage anyone interested to get in touch with us to find out more,” adds Colin.