Key Takeaways:
- Tinia Pina, CEO of Re-Nuble, provides insights into the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) sector, focusing on sustainable growing mediums.
- Innovations like reusable plugs and bamboo fiber are making waves, with Re-Nuble exploring jute fiber for its products.
- Its fully compostable ReNu Terra Microgreens Mats highlights sustainability as a core principle for Re-Nuble.
- The company also addresses wastewater usage risks and regulatory challenges to prevent contamination.
- Expansion plans include introducing products to European and North American markets, focusing on education and certification challenges.
Innovating Agriculture with Sustainable Practices
In a recent interview, Tinia Pina, CEO and founder of Re-Nuble, shed light on the evolving sector of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), emphasizing the critical role of sustainable growing mediums in operational success. Pina detailed how Re-Nuble is at the forefront of this innovation, utilizing jute fiber in their products to promote waste management efficiency and sustainability within agriculture.
The Sustainability Edge
Re-Nuble’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its product line, notably the ReNu Terra Microgreens Mats. “Unlike conventional mats, our mats are fully compostable, which shows our dedication to sustainable agriculture without compromising product performance,” Pina explained. These innovations address the industry’s need for environmentally friendly and efficient growing mediums.
Navigating Challenges
Pina also discussed the broader challenges facing the CEA sector, including regulatory hurdles and the need for effective risk mitigation strategies to prevent potential contamination issues. “The industry can improve in adopting food-grade standards to avoid health or sanitary scandals,” Pina commented, highlighting the importance of stringent safety measures in agricultural practices.
Exploring New Materials
Re-Nuble is exploring the use of other materials, such as banana fibers, to enhance their growing mediums. These materials offer a balance between water retention and air circulation, potentially reducing irrigation needs and promoting water conservation. “If the plug can retain more water, that means there are fewer irrigation needs…thus yielding cost savings,” Pina remarked on the benefits of these innovations.
Future Directions and Industry Perspectives
Looking ahead, Re-Nuble plans to expand its product lines to meet the needs of markets in Europe and North America. However, Pina acknowledges the challenges of navigating different regulatory environments and the importance of educating stakeholders about the benefits of organic materials in agriculture.
Pina also reflected on the broader industry dynamics, criticizing the focus on rapid growth over sustainability. She advocates for a balanced approach, emphasizing the importance of proof of concept and iterative feedback to ensure the long-term success of agricultural innovations.
Re-Nuble Latest News
Awarded USD 4.6M Grant By The USDA (2022/12/15)
As a part of the second pool of partnerships for climate-focused agriculture funding opportunities, Re-Nuble’s, project titled “Increasing Farm Resource Efficiency by Utilizing On-Site Post-Production Food Byproducts into Innovative Fertilizers and Climate-Smart Commodities,” was given a $4.6 million grant by the USDA. To encourage these prospective early adopters to test out new technologies while minimizing risk for all parties, the USDA is offering financial and market-driven incentives.
Columbia University Creates Environmental Impact Tool for Re-Nuble (2022/09/29)
“We partnered with students from Columbia University’s Sustainability Management Program to assess the environmental impact of our manufacturing process. The students created an Environmental Impact Measurement Tool, provided a baseline inventory using historical data, conducted analysis and research, and gave strategic recommendations for the future. We were impressed with their work and their ability to make sensible recommendations.” – Contributed by re-nuble.
Discover more here.
Lands Re-Nu Terra & Partners With Cruz Foam (2022/06/23)
Re-Nuble, an NYC-based ag-tech company, has partnered with Santa Cruz-based Cruz Foam to introduce a sustainable grow media for indoor growers. Called ReNu Terra, the fully compostable and inert media is made from localized and food safe, vegetative food waste, and eliminates food waste while creating an efficient closed-loop agriculture system. The partnership emphasizes the importance of changing consumption patterns and paves the way for sustainable waste management. It also alleviates climate-related risks and encourages sustainable agricultural practices.
Image provided by Re-Nuble
