Because peat is a limited natural resource and provides environmental benefits, we prioritize responsible sourcing. Many of our peat moss production sites in Canada are certified Veriflora® Responsibly Managed Peatlands.
In Canada, where our peat is sourced, strict regulations control access to the territory and conservation of its resources. We have been involved in research with Canadian universities as part of the Peatland Ecology Research Group (PERG) for decades, a collaboration between the scientific community, the peat industry and government agencies, to develop knowledge of peatlands, wetlands and their ecological restoration.
This collaboration has enabled us to gain a better understanding of the effects of peat use and best restoration practices. We continued scientific monitoring of certain restored sites with PERG in order to contribute to the national database.
Research has shown that:
- A plant cover, composed of typical bog species dominated by sphagnum mosses, can be re-established within three to five years.
- The productivity rate of sphagnum mosses and the accumulation of organic matter in restored bogs after eight years are comparable to those in pristine sites.
- The annual carbon balance of restored peatland sites returns to values comparable to those of the natural environment within 10 to 15 years of restoration practices.
We also maintain respectful and collaborative relationships with Canadian Indigenous communities where we source sphagnum peat moss. This includes support for an Indigenous Knowledge Study to document the historical use of a peatland environment in New Brunswick and identify and preserve artifacts.
Sphagnum mosses in a peat bog
