At Global Axis Substrates, we recognise the importance of sourcing peat responsibly to ensure its sustainability for future generations. A significant portion of our peat is sourced from our premium partner BVB Substrates in Europe—primarily Finland, Sweden, and Estonia—where strict environmental regulations and responsible production practices ensure minimal ecological impact.

Peat production in Europe is subject to stringent environmental legislation that governs every step of the process, from site selection to post-extraction land restoration. These regulations prevent ecological damage, protect water sources, and promote biodiversity. Our partners adhere to environmental permits issued by local authorities, ensuring compliance with sustainability guidelines.

Part of responsible peat harvesting is not extracting peat from virgin mires or areas with high conservation value. This ensures that only degraded or low-value land is used, reducing the impact on pristine ecosystems.

To further guarantee sustainability, our partners adhere to the Responsibly Produced Peat (RPP) certification, an internationally recognised standard developed in collaboration with NGOs and government bodies. Currently, 83% of BVB’s peat volume is RPP certified, with practices in place to continuously expand on this. The certification ensures that peatlands are managed responsibly, with clear after-use plans to restore biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions.

However, even without certification, all peat production in Europe follows strict environmental laws that mandate responsible harvesting. This ensures that any peat extracted meets high sustainability standards.

Each country where we source peat has robust environmental laws governing peat production, and all peat production is subjected to environmental permitting. These regulations include:

• In Finland, peat production is governed by several strict environmental regulations, including the Environmental Protection Act, Act on Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure, the Nature Conservation Act, and the Water and Waste Acts. Land use is regulated under the Land Use and Construction Act, while water management falls under the Government Decree on Water Management.
• In Estonia, peat extraction is subject to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, as well as the Earth’s Crust Act and the General Environmental Code Act. Water resources are protected under the Water Act. Estonia also follows the National Climate Policy Principles, which guide sustainable environmental management.
• In Sweden, peat production is regulated under the Miljöbalken (Environmental Code), which encompasses a broad range of environmental protection laws. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a key requirement for assessing potential environmental impacts before peat extraction begins. Other relevant legislation includes the Forest Act and the Water Act.
• Germany is advancing peatland sustainability through various initiatives, promoting rewetting to restore carbon sinks, and integrating climate-friendly practices in forestry and agriculture.

Beyond extraction

The sustainability of peat extends beyond extraction. This approach includes:

1. Site selection: Peat is harvested only from carefully selected sites approved by local environmental authorities. These sites are assessed to ensure they do not have significant conservation value.
2. Harvesting practices: After obtaining permits, peat producers prepare the land by draining excess water to allow for extraction. This process can take up to three years before peat can be safely harvested.
3. Technology and compliance: Best Available Technology (BAT) protects water resources and reduces emissions during harvesting. Industry standards such as ISO14001 for environmental management and ISO9001 for quality management guide our processes.
4. Rehabilitation and biodiversity restoration: Once peat extraction is complete, former peatlands are rehabilitated through afforestation, re-wetting, or agricultural conversion. Re-wetting restores natural bog ecosystems, allowing them to absorb carbon dioxide again and fostering biodiversity. Post-extraction restoration often leads to higher biodiversity than before peat production began.

Environmental benefits of responsible peat use

• CO2 reduction through re-wetting: When degraded peatlands are restored, they shift from being carbon emitters to carbon sinks, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Biodiversity enhancement: Restoration efforts often lead to richer ecosystems than before extraction.
• Efficient transportation: Peat has a low bulk density, making it fuel-efficient to transport, thus reducing its carbon footprint compared to other growing media.
• Selective peat harvesting: Only 0.4% of Europe’s total peatland area is used for peat extraction, ensuring minimal land use impact.

Global Axis Substrates is committed to continuous improvement in sustainable peat production. ‘We insist on partnering with quality suppliers such as BVB Substrates, who focus on increasing RPP certification, investing in alternative materials, and ensuring responsible after-use planning,’ highlights Carmine Callisto, Managing Director, Global Axis Substrates.  

‘Peat remains an essential growing medium because of its far superior water retention, aeration, and disease suppression properties. Peat-based growing media is exceptional for Australian produce such as mushrooms, berries, seedling propagation and so much more.

We are pleased to partner with Global Axis Substrates who, like us, want excellent technical and sustainability performance. By offering responsible and fit for purpose growing media we together aim for long term success of our growers,’ highlights Folkert Moll, Director Sustainability, BVB Substrates.

By choosing responsibly sourced peat, we support sustainable practices that protect nature, reduce environmental impact, and ensure long-term land restoration. Sustainability is at the heart of our operations, ensuring that peat remains a viable resource for the future.

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