2026 is a milestone year for the German soil and substrate industry. The German government has stated that peat should no longer be used in potting soils and other soil products wherever possible. While they have not actually introduced a ban, they have come to an agreement with the sector that should lead to it significantly reducing its use of peat. To begin with, this goal only applies to products sold to final consumers; the target year for products sold to professionals is 2030. Which is why the sector has been on the look-out for new, preferably sustainable solutions for both hobby gardeners and landscape businesses for a number of years now. RETERRA began stepping up its activities in this area in 2023 and has now purchased a share in a further business, namely Erdenwerk Strenge, an earthworks firm based in Ostrhauderfehn/Lower Saxony.
Traditionally, peat has played an important role in the production of soils and substrates. Manufacturers have used it as a raw material, mixing it with additives such as fertiliser, lime, sand and clay and transforming it into a quality product that consumers can use straight away. The problem here is that the peat – which is harvested by drying out peatlands – releases greenhouse gases when it decays or is used on gardens. And healthy peatlands are among the world’s best carbon sinks. In light of the EU’s climate goals, therefore, more and more people have been criticising this use of peat. Which is why this voluntary agreement has been reached with soil and substrate manufacturers so that they reduce the amount of peat used in their products.
There are a number of raw materials that can be used as a sustainable alternative. REMONDIS’ subsidiary RETERRA, which processes organic and garden/park waste, has such substances, including its substrates and composts made from garden and park waste. It is also currently looking into how its organic composts and the digestate from its anaerobic digesters can be used more widely. And then there is wood fibre and Chinese silver grass (Miscanthus). Combined and used correctly, the soils and substrates made with peat alternatives are just as effective as the soils containing peat.
“We are currently investing in targeted research work, new formulas and partnerships to develop substrates that are environmentally sound, good for gardens and economically viable. We believe it is our responsibility to do this – and an opportunity as well.”
Dr Timon Haasis, managing director of RETERRA West
Attractive partners in RETERRA’s network
This development will see the whole sector effectively repositioning itself – something that will also pave the way for new alliances. The soil and substrate market is an attractive sales channel for RETERRA, enabling it to make the most of its organic residual materials. And the medium-sized firms that work with RETERRA are able to use both its know-how and its materials that they only had limited access to in the past.
RETERRA entered this market in 2019 when it acquired Hauke Erden. This firm is now run under the name RETERRA Erden Süd GmbH and has branches in Remseck and Öhringen in the German state of Baden-Württemberg as well as in Aichach in Bavaria.
Four years later, in 2023, RETERRA then took over Erdenwerk Kleeschulte, an earthworks business based in Rüthen in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. This was a particularly attractive acquisition as Kleeschulte is one of the leading companies producing peat-free soils and substrates. This know-how will now be used at Erdenwerk Strenge, which RETERRA West took over from the owner in March 2026 via its Kleeschulte connections. Erdenwerk Strenge produces high-quality potting soils and substrates. Here, too, they are focusing on increasing their use of more sustainable raw materials, such as wood fibre and compost, when making their soils.
Strenge also runs Gartenpracht, an online fulfilment centre that processes online orders and organises the shipping of potting soils and other soil products to its customers. Gartenpracht’s products can, therefore, be ordered directly on the web or via third parties, such as DIY chain stores. Furthermore, Strenge operates a number of other medium-sized businesses and owns shares in Floragard, a distribution network and one of the market leaders in Germany for high-quality potting soils.
This acquisition of Strenge reflects RETERRA’s determination to pursue its goal. “Kleeschulte has shown just how successful peat-free products are becoming on the market. Strenge complements this know-how perfectly – with its additional capacities, strong brands and digital sales solutions,” explained Dr Haasis: “It is our goal to make the soil and substrate division one of the key drivers of growth within our company over the long term as well as to actively help shape the future of the industry with sustainable solutions.”
Aerial view of the “Erdenwerk Strenge”
About RETERRA
RETERRA specialises in organic raw materials. It has a comprehensive product and service portfolio and over 30 years’ experience of the industry. This REMONDIS subsidiary covers all stages of the process chain – from collecting and recycling the materials, to making new products. Together with its workforce of 450+ employees, the company provides services for commercial businesses, local authorities and private individuals. Each year, RETERRA handles a total of around 2.5 million tonnes of organic raw and residual materials – promoting sustainability with its recycling operations and helping to protect the environment and conserve natural resources.
Image credits: image 1: Adobe Stock: Marvel’s Nook; image 2, 3, 4: © REMONDIS
