Hawaii Organic Mulch Made from Hawaii Waste Paper
That's the EcoCover Proposition:
Local Business Producing A Local Benefit

Read about the EcoCover product:

EcoCover® is dedicated to provide products globally that sustain and benefit the environment. The EcoCover business is a wonderful example of a commitment to the three pillars of sustainability - environmental, economic and social.

EcoCover mulch mat is primarily produced from waste paper removed directly from the landfill waste stream, having a number of unique product attributes that richly benefit the plant, soil and environment. EcoCover mulch and fertilizer enriched mulch mats are a 'world first' in providing a cost-effective substitute for plastic and other mulch systems used in the horticultural, agricultural and land management industries. EcoCover is unique in the sense that it is the world's most complete plant mulch.

EcoCover Mulch Mat:

Patented, organic, compostable, biodegradable, conserves water, reduces plant mortality,
controls weeds, promotes plant growth, moderates soil temperature, reduces
soil erosion, eliminates or reduces herbicide use and
a carrier of beneficial additives for the soil.

For further information and full research data on each of these properties please go to EcoCover Product Attributes.

EcoCover is covered by extensive international patent protection; certified organic by AgriQuality New Zealand (IFOAM accredited); and accredited to use the prestigious Environmental Choice New Zealand Label (a Ministry for the Environment initiative).

EcoCover Mulch Mat Key Product Attributes

• Organic (this is a unique product attribute)
• 100% Compostable
• 100% Biodegradable
• Water Conservation (up to 80%)
• Weed Control
  • Gardens and landscaping; orchards; forestry; nurseries; and other weed problem areas.
• Promotes Plant Growth
• Moderates Soil Temperature Fluctuations
• Erosion Control
• Herbicide Reduction Or Elimination
• Reduces Plant Mortality
• Achieves 100% Zero Waste Objective
• Able to be used as a unique delivery mechanism. The new EcoCover Fertilizer Enriched Mat is an excellent example where the mat is used as a carrier for a high level of an organic approved fertilizer, ensuring a cost effective application without wastage and overspray.

AgriQuality™, New Zealand's leading organic certifier has formally approved EcoCover for full organic certification. AgriQuality's organic standard is based on the international Codex Alinorm 99/22 EU regulations, and the Australian National standard. AgriQuality is a State Owned Enterprise of the New Zealand Government. EcoCover mulch mat does not have to be removed from the soil, as does plastic and other common mulches when used in certified organic applications.

EcoCover Will Deliver

• Reduction of paper in landfill
• Reduction of plastic in landfill
• Reduction in water usage
• Reduction in plant loss and mortality
• Reduction in herbicide usage
• Reduction in soil and groundwater contamination
• Reduction in weeds and weed seeds
• Increase in plant growth, quality and yield
• Increase in soil quality and health
• Improvement in the visual landscape
• A cost effective mulch
• A zero waste solution
• Possible cost savings in requiring fewer plants per sq.m.

Product Uses And Applications

• Mulch and Seed Mat (organic and non organic agricultural applications)
• The Mat as a Carrier (for fertilizers, soil conditioners, to name just two)
  • EcoCover mulch mat is now fully organic fertilizer enriched – Sept 2004
• Landfill Covers
• Floor Covering
• Livestock Bedding
• Moulded Shapes
• Building And Construction
• Packaging
• Eco Bags
• EcoPots

The EcoCover Mulch Market Opportunity

The market is comprehensively wide and presently includes all

• Field and Row Farmers. Organic and non organic.
• Tree and Vine Farmers. Organic and non organic
• Forestry
• Other, e.g. landscaping, Local Bodies & Councils, retail, etc.

The table below illustrates the beneficial properties of EcoCover compared to other mulches.

Table 2
Other mulch systems.

Product	Organic Approved	Laying, ground prep.	Pinning Required	Ability to include additives	Promotes plant growth
Wool	No	Equiv. EcoCover	Yes	Unlikely	Don't know
Jute	No	Equiv. EcoCover	Yes	No	Unlikely
PE/PP	No	Equiv. EcoCover	Yes	No	Unlikely
Bark **	No	Labour intensive	No	No	Unlikely
Woven Plastic	No	Equiv. EcoCover	Yes	No	Unlikely
Extruded Plastic	No	Often automated	Usually	No	No
Cardboard (fluted)	No	Equiv. EcoCover	Yes	Limited	Don't know
	Yes		Yes	Yes	Yes

Product	Conserve water	Reduces plant mortality	Remove from soil*	Labour to remove	Transport cost	Landfill cost
Wool	Yes	Don't know	Yes if organic	Applies	Applies	Applies
Jute	No	No	Yes if organic	Applies	Applies	Applies
PE/PP	Some	No	Yes if organic	Applies	Applies	Applies
Bark **	Some	No	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Woven Plastic	No	No	Yes if organic	Applies	Applies	Applies
Extruded Plastic	No	No	Yes if organic	Applies	Applies	Applies
Cardboard (fluted)	Don't know	Don't know	Yes if organic	Don't know	Don't know	Don't know
	Yes	Yes	No	No	None	None

* Remove from soil. All products except EcoCover must be completely removed from the soil if used in an organic application. Only EcoCover is approved to biodegrade in situ – a unique product attribute.

** Bark. Additional significant costs (machinery and labour) are necessary to transport and spread the bark.

The benefits of mulching are universally recognized in the horticultural industry. EcoCover can justifiably be described as the 'complete' mulching medium, with all the advantages of inhibiting weed growth, keeping the soil cool and moist and as the mulch decays, feeding both the soil and the plants.

The total percentage of EcoCover mulch mat raw material inputs recycled to the soil in a beneficial / productive form can be as high 87.77% depending on mat construction.

The total recycled content usage by each EcoCover manufacturing plant, operating a single shift per day, is (max.) 9,045kg per week per plant taken from the local waste stream.