From cultivation to compost

At Ambius, sustainability is woven into everything we do. From the eco-friendly cultivation of our plants to the reuse of materials and the responsible replanting or recycling of greenery that has lost its ornamental value—we focus on circular solutions. By maximizing reuse and minimizing waste, we help create healthier, more sustainable environments for our clients and the planet.

Closing the Loop with the Ambius Green Circle

Our circular approach is built on nine key steps, designed to integrate sustainability throughout our services and deliver long-term value through smart, eco-conscious practices.

Step 1: We take full responsibility across the entire supply chain by increasingly adopting circular practices, working closely with our suppliers. This approach allows us to significantly reduce environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Step 2: We advise our clients to choose the most circular planters—those with the longest life cycle. For custom-made planters, we collaborate with suppliers who use 100% recycled polystyrene. Our plants are sourced from Nieuwkoop nursery, a partner committed to sustainability. All replacement and new plants are sustainably grown, with transparency, reliability, and sustainability backed by certified credentials.

Steps 3 & 4: Every quarter, we meet with our plant and planter suppliers to take further steps toward circularity. Currently, we’re running a pilot program challenging suppliers to deliver plants and planters without plastic, Styrofoam, or cardboard. Instead, reusable materials such as cloths, crates, roll containers, and covers are used—drastically reducing non-sustainable packaging.

Step 5: We’ve replaced all packaging materials with reusable covers, eliminating the need for plastic wrap during transport. This change alone has led to a 68% reduction in packaging waste, aligning with our broader strategy to reduce the ecological footprint of our operations.

Step 6: Our employees travel emission-free using electric vehicles. Certified horticulture specialists maintain the plants regularly, extending their lifespan and vitality. During each service visit, we conduct thorough inspections to ensure ongoing quality. We use biodegradable fertilizers, plant care products, and eco-friendly pest control solutions like Spruzit-R and Promanal-R concentrate.

Step 7: Plants no longer meeting A-quality standards are collected and restored in our Greenhouse before being reintroduced at other client sites, reducing the need for replacements. When a location or department closes, plants with remaining ornamental value are nurtured in our on-site nursery. We filter and reuse irrigation water to prevent waste. Once restored, these plants are redeployed.

Step 8: Our focus is on maximum reuse, which ranks higher on Lansink's Ladder than recycling. We reuse clay pellets during plant replacements and refurbish and redeploy water meters and pots. Plants that are returned and still suitable for another cycle receive a second life through our Green Return programme in the greenhouse: they are pruned, nourished, and refurbished before being redeployed. Plants that have lost their decorative value are processed into biomass under strict guidelines, ultimately reused as compost or fuel.

Step 9: Recycling is a last resort, used only when reuse is no longer possible. Non-viable plants are composted and reused in our Greenhouse. Spent clay pellets are collected and sent to our partner, De Putman Groep, for reuse in road construction. Unusable planters are compacted onsite to reduce transport volume, then ground down by the manufacturer into granulate. Combined with aerospace-grade materials, this is used to produce new 100% recycled and recyclable planters.

By continuously improving our processes, we contribute actively to a more sustainable world.