Hortus Supplies International was founded in 2005 by three entrepreneurs who merged their expertise as both growers and suppliers to bring a fresh, hands-on approach to the horticultural industry. With one foot in the greenhouse and the other in the supply chain, Hortus Supplies was built on the belief that real innovation comes from understanding the full picture.
Horticultural Products. Source: https://www.hsibv.com/horticultural-products/
Today, nearly two decades later, Hortus Supplies has grown into a global operation, with over 30 professionals serving clients across more than 25 countries. From flower growers to vegetable producers and tree farms, Hortus Supplies offers a full spectrum of high-quality horticultural products and smart, sustainable solutions.
At the heart of its mission is a simple but powerful goal: to support growers around the world with tools that boost efficiency, promote sustainability, and future-proof production. Whether it’s through tailored crop care, automation, or environmentally responsible options, Hortus Supplies doesn’t just supply products—it provides solutions. And the same approach is taken when it comes to sustainability.
In line with this commitment, Hortus Supplies partnered with Green Earth to measure and compensate for its carbon footprint through a credible, transparent, and impact-driven process. Below is an interview that reveals the company’s green trajectory.
Can you tell us more about Hortus Supplies and why sustainability is important to your company?
Hortus Supplies is a trusted partner for growers worldwide. We supply a wide range of horticultural products and growing solutions, from substrates and crop care to practical greenhouse supplies—all designed to make greenhouse production more efficient, effective, and sustainable.
For us, sustainability is not just a responsibility, but an investment in the future. By supporting growers with innovative and environmentally conscious solutions, we help them achieve strong results today while safeguarding resources for tomorrow. Growing is the future, and together with our partners, we are committed to building a healthier and more sustainable growing industry for generations to come.
What sustainability targets have you set, and how are you working towards achieving these targets?
- Carbon reduction: We are working step by step to reduce our carbon footprint. The installation of 134 solar panels was the first milestone, and we continue to invest in renewable energy and efficiency improvements.
- Sustainable product portfolio: We are expanding our range of organic and natural crop care products, helping growers transition to more sustainable practices.
- Responsible logistics: By improving transport and supply chain processes, we aim to lower emissions and increase efficiency.
Read more: Bruynzeel storage systems: creating space for a healthier planet
What motivated Hortus Supplies to calculate and compensate for its carbon footprint with Green Earth?
We wanted to understand the real impact we have as a company by calculating our carbon footprint. Installing 134 solar panels last year was an important first step, but we also wanted clear insights into where we stand and how we can continue to improve.
We chose Green Earth because of their transparent methodology, proven expertise, and inspiring projects around the world. They have guided us throughout the process and helped us gather the right data to accurately calculate our footprint.
What were your key considerations when selecting the Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project for your carbon compensation?
For us it was important not only to compensate for our emissions, but also to support a project that makes a real difference in people’s daily lives. The Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project reduces deforestation, lowers carbon emissions, and improves indoor air quality, directly benefitting the health and wellbeing of families.
Drone photo of Green Earth team members and local community during cookstove distribution in Kenya. Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project, Green Earth.
The fact that this project is based in Kenya makes it even more meaningful, as Kenya is a key market for Hortus Supplies. Supporting a region that is so important to our business gives the project an extra layer of connection.
How does this initiative align with Hortus Supplies' broader sustainability goals and values?
At Hortus Supplies, we value people as much as we value the planet. This initiative reflects our philosophy that sustainability should create benefits for both. Just as we provide growers with solutions that improve efficiency while protecting natural resources, the Hongera project reduces environmental impact while improving the quality of life in local communities.
It shows that sustainability is not only about innovation and efficiency in horticulture, but also about taking responsibility on a global scale and contributing to social impact.
Read more: The social impact of Green Earth’s projects
What message would you like to share with other businesses considering similar actions?
Start simple: Calculate your emissions and get to know your carbon footprint. This will give you immediate insight into where improvements can be made. From there, take concrete steps—big or small—whether that means reducing energy use, improving logistics, or compensating through meaningful projects.
Every step counts. By taking responsibility now, you can make a lasting impact for the future.
Read more: Preparing for the future: How SMEs can align with net-zero targets
Supporting nature through energy-efficient cookstoves
The Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project, selected by Hortus Supplies as the vehicle for carbon compensation, is a high-impact initiative developed by Green Earth in Kenya. The project addresses multiple sustainability challenges through a single, scalable solution: the distribution of locally manufactured energy-efficient cookstoves to households in rural communities.
Local women during cookstove distribution in Kenya. Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project, Green Earth.
These stoves significantly reduce the need for firewood, thereby mitigating deforestation and lowering carbon emissions. By improving combustion efficiency, the cookstoves also reduce indoor air pollution, directly enhancing the health and wellbeing of families—particularly women and children who are most exposed to smoke from traditional cooking methods.
In addition to environmental and health benefits, the project supports local economies through job creation in the manufacturing and distribution of the cookstoves. The time saved on wood collection further enables women and children to invest in education and income-generating activities. The project’s comprehensive approach thus advances sustainable development, combining environmental action with tangible socio-economic impact.
Read more: A behind-the-scenes look at our cookstove production
For Hortus Supplies, the decision to support this project is not solely a matter of emissions. It’s a strategic choice rooted in its broader sustainability vision—one that recognises the value of contributing to long-term environmental resilience and community wellbeing, particularly in a region that is vital to its global operations.
Organisations seeking to advance their sustainability goals and demonstrate environmental leadership can follow a similar path. Green Earth provides an expert and transparent methodology for carbon footprint calculation and compensation, paired with a portfolio of certified, high-quality projects like Hongera. These initiatives enable businesses to take credible, impactful steps towards net zero—aligned with both stakeholder expectations and long-term strategic priorities.
Partnering with Green Earth offers more than compliance—it offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to global sustainability objectives while reinforcing your organisation’s values and commitments.
