At Ter Laak Orchids' inspiration center, the first orchid canes with the FSC® quality mark were handed over by Theo Wolbrink of Van Nifterik to Ewald de Koning of Ter Laak Orchids. The use of bamboo canes for orchids makes Ter Laak Orchids the first grower with FSC-certified bamboo from Van Nifterik. Van Nifterik has been FSC certified since the beginning of this year, making it the first plant support supplier to offer such products. For Ter Laak Orchids, it is another step further in their ambition to be circular by 2030.
According to Theo Wolbrink, it is an important step in which Van Nifterik contributes to making the sector more sustainable. In autumn 2022, it was decided to map out what it would take to obtain an FSC label. There was no blueprint for FSC certification for bamboo yet. The fact that the very bamboo grows in China and undergoes various processing there added to the challenge. The bamboo comes from sustainably managed forests that meet strict environmental, social, and economic criteria.
FSC is a trade chain certificate that tracks raw materials throughout the supply chain. This requires strict audits and proper paperwork at every link in the chain. At Van Nifterik, this means that every link is certified: i.e. this applies to the forest, the raw material supplier, the factory in China, and the company in the Netherlands. "By using the FSC label, you show that you treat nature responsibly. After use, the sticks can be recycled and it is extra nice that it is a well-known hallmark, also for consumers," Theo says.
Soon the cargo, which has been en route by sea for some time, will arrive at Ter Laak Orchids. Then a range of different sizes will be available for all orchid plants, and the switch can be made to full FSC-certified bamboo canes. According to Ewald, it is a logical step forward in achieving sustainability goals. "We can expect that all plant support will be made of this bamboo within a few years. In this, we like to lead the way to show how it can be done and we hope many will follow," he shares.
Theo concludes, "It is a great start and we hope that the FSC label will soon be seen on other plants. The current market is very sensitive and it is important to make steps forward and also show this to consumers. We are grateful for the cooperation with Ter Laak and wish them all the best!"
Of course, a cake could not be missing to celebrate the moment.
For more information:
Van Nifterik Holland 
Bonnetstraat 40
6718 XN Ede, the Netherlands
Tel: +31(0)342 424 166
[email protected]
www.vannifterik.com
Ter Laak Orchids 
Middenzwet 23
2291 HM Wateringen, the Netherlands
Tel: +31(0)174 870 110
[email protected]
www.orchidee.nl