Going Circular
2022 AWARD FINALIST
Sponsored by Auckland Council
Greenfern Industries is a medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp operation. The company is certified Toitū CarbonZero, B-Corp certified, and on a mission to introduce circular principles into as many areas of the business as possible.
Greenfern Industries operates a process where nothing is wasted. Unlike traditional farming processes, regenerative hemp farming practices have a positive impact on soil health, erosion and biodiversity. The hemp produced is processed in a range of ways to provide hemp protein for food production (currently used by Sustainable Foods in the production of hemp chicken), and hemp seed oil for the company’s MaTo bodycare range. Excess plant matter is turned back into the soil or composted.
Renewable energy is produced onsite by the company's hydro power station on Taranaki's Waingongoro River. Water drawn from the river is flushed through the aeroponics system and hydrates the medicinal cannabis crops. This water is then recycled through a watering system and absorbed by the plants’ roots. Any remaining water is captured and used on the native outdoor plants at the facility.
Greenfern Industries spreads manure and sawdust gathered from a nearby chicken farm on its hemp plant fields. This is a natural, organic crop fertiliser and eliminates waste from the chicken farm.