Sustainable Products Plan

The Millbrook Sustainable Products Plan focuses on 4 areas where we are striving to be greener.

We no longer sell peat in bagged products ahead of Government target of end of 2024 (excludes carnivorous plant compost).
GROW growing media training in place for all staff repeated on an annual basis, plus blogs, signage and social media promotion of how to garden successfully using peat-free products.
Liaising with suppliers to encourage and monitor peat reduction and prioritising purchasing and promotion of plants grown in peat-free compost.
Millbrook Designer Pots are peat-free.
No plants grown in peat-based compost by 2028.

We have removed all synthetic pesticides from sale and stopped the use of any synthetic pesticides in our centres.
Source alternative ‘organic’ natural or barrier methods to protect plants. Highlight and promote these planet positive products to customers.
Each monthly Planet Positive email features products to encourage greener gardening and alternatives to the harmful pesticides we no longer sell.
Our green bee icon makes it easier to find greener gardening products in-store. Working towards offering at least one 'green' option in each product area.
The Millbrook Eco House at both centres highlights all the areas in which customers can be greener.

Phase out single use plastics by 2024. We no longer sell artificial grass. Looking for gardening alternatives for plant tags and weedstop fabrics.
Give away coffee grinds to customers for home composting. Available in The Mill and greencafe with educational signage.
Aim for plastic products and packaging to be made of recycled material & to be easily recyclable.
Reduce / remove plastic garden décor items by end 2024.
We have achieved zero waste to landfill. Keep reviewing our waste contracts to ensure maximum recycling.
In 2023 we reduced our total tonnes of waste by 11.8%, and recycled or composted 68% of our total waste. We aim to do even better in 2024! Any waste that can't be recycled is sent to a local power station and used to create energy.

Millbrook is an accredited member of the Responsible Sourcing Scheme.
Review of buying guidelines and policies in Spring 2024 to set new targets focusing on reducing plastic and packaging, choosing locally sourced products, natural materials, organic and sustainable gardening practices.
Continue to actively look for environmentally-friendly and ethically-sourced products. Source local or UK made products where possible.
Source more plants from local growers and UK growers – working towards peat-free growing in line with government targets.
Monthly Planet Positive emails highlighting our Planet Positive suppliers and greener product choices.