COVENTRY University is leading a project aimed at reducing plastic, packaging and waste in the British cut-flower industry.
The industry uses multiple layers of plastic and other materials used to protect and hydrate flowers from grower to consumer.
The project is led by professor David Bek, from Coventry University’s Research Centre for Creative Economies.
A launch event was held at Coventry Cathedral showcasing demonstrations of sustainable floristry design.
Partly funded by an Impact Acceleration Account, awarded to Coventry University by the Economic and Social Research Council, the project aims to transform the industry by encouraging sustainable practices.
It offers practical guidelines for reducing environmental impacts, such as minimising the use of single-use plastics and improving packaging efficiency.
The use of single-use plastics poses an environmental concern, and as consumer demand for sustainable practices grows, businesses that adopt eco-friendly methods enhance environmental sustainability, improve efficiency and lower costs.
Shane Connolly, florist by Royal Appointment to The Late Queen and now to both The King and Queen, said: “I have struggled for years with the idea that so many florists feel that nature is their inspiration and guide, yet so much of floral practice is damaging to nature.
“It has been wonderful to see this dichotomy addressed at the event in Coventry Cathedral. We need to offer solutions to florists rather than bombard them with the issues and that’s what we’re starting to do.
“For many years I have tried to promote more sustainable practice in the floral industry, so it was an honour to be part of this event where the solutions are being presented along with the issues, and in a way that is supported by robust academic research.”
