The carbon footprint of bedding and the future of materials

Gradually, both in the equine industry and in agriculture, we are having to consider what kind of bedding materials we can use in the future. This is a topic worth investing in, as the choice of bedding product has a significant impact on both animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Finding ecological and sustainable bedding is important from the perspective of climate change, resource scarcity and environmental protection. The carbon footprint of bedding used in horse stables and farms can vary depending on the material used and its production processes. Measuring the carbon footprint consists of several steps, with differences between different bedding materials in terms of raw materials, manufacturing, transportation and disposal.

Traditional bedding and its challenges

The most commonly used bedding materials today are straw (in various forms), peat, sawdust and wood chips. Although these are often readily available and relatively inexpensive, they come with significant environmental challenges. Straw is obtained from various cereals, which require large areas of cultivation, which in turn can lead to land use changes and loss of biodiversity. The production of sawdust and wood chips is a by-product of the wood processing industry. The wood industry can, at worst, cause deforestation if they are not produced in a sustainable way. The use of peat is particularly problematic because it releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide and destroys valuable peatland vegetation. The European Union has established the Just Transition Fund (JTF) to support regions and sectors most affected by the transition to carbon neutrality. In Finland, the JTF aims to halve the use of peat for energy by 2030. This fund finances measures that promote a just transition towards a more sustainable economy as part of the Renewing and Skilled Finland 2021–2027 programme.

Measuring the carbon footprint of bedding

Estimating the carbon footprint of bedding requires a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) that takes into account all stages of production. In general, wood-based bedding and straw are more environmentally friendly alternatives compared to peat, while flax and hemp can offer a comparable alternative due to their fast growth and good composting properties. However, the exact carbon footprint depends on factors such as the methods and logistics used in production. Raw material procurement covers the growing or production of the material. For example, in the production of sawdust, the environmental impacts of forestry and logging are taken into account. Manufacturing and processing includes the energy and resources used to produce the bedding, such as drying sawdust or extracting and processing peat. Transporting bedding materials from the manufacturing site to the stable or farm increases the carbon footprint. Naturally, the carbon footprint of transportation depends on the length of the journey and the mode of transport used. Once the bedding is used, composting or other disposal produces greenhouse gas emissions. Composting also usually produces useful soil, which can partially offset emissions.

Carbon footprint of different bedding materials

Wood-based materials, such as sawdust, are often by-products of the wood industry , which reduces their carbon footprint. In manufacturing, energy consumption is mainly related to drying and handling, such as packaging in plastic wrap. At the disposal stage, composting can be relatively environmentally friendly, but its implementation depends on local conditions. For example, many farmers do not use cutter-based manure due to its poor biodegradability. Flax and hemp are fast-growing plants that can sequester a lot of carbon dioxide during their growth. During the manufacturing phase, these plants require processing into bedding, which consumes energy. Due to their lightness, transportation emissions can be lower compared to wood-based bedding. During the disposal phase, flax and hemp compost well and can improve soil quality. Raising peat releases stored carbon dioxide, making it a large carbon footprint. During the production phase, raising and drying consume a lot of energy. During the disposal phase, composting is the best method. Straw is a by-product of agriculture, which reduces its carbon footprint. Straw requires little processing during production and composts well, especially in pellet form. In addition, straw pellets are an absorbent and efficient option for bedding.

More ecological and sustainable litter

Hemp is a very promising alternative for bedding. It grows quickly and requires very little pesticides or fertilizers. Growing hemp improves soil structure and biodiversity. Hemp bedding has excellent absorbency and breaks down quickly in compost, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Dry matter pellets, made by pressing hemp or flax fibers, are a cost-effective and easy-to-use option. They are highly absorbent and break down quickly, making manure handling and composting efficient. In addition, soil improvement plants, such as alfalfa, are increasingly being used as bedding. These plants are grown specifically to improve soil structure and fertility. They work well as bedding and at the same time improve the ecological condition of the fields. Some stables have also experimented with using shredded recycled paper. The paper itself is not very absorbent, but works well when combined with a base made of, for example, hemp bedding. The advantage of ecological litter options is their ability to improve soil quality, reduce environmental burden, and support sustainable agricultural practices. Check out all of Biohansa's bedding products viathis link . Remember to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media to receive information about new products and current topics directly to your email. Also give us feedback on what topics you would like to read about on Biohansa's blog!

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