Monrovia Creates New Tags to Reduce Plastic Use

For decades, Monrovia has used an information-packed plant label in a booklet format to provide plant information to its customers. But this spring, the company is redesigning its labels to reduce the use of plastic material in tags by about 60%.

The new design features simplified plant information and a QR code gardeners can use for more guidance online. The QR code leads directly to each variety’s unique page on Monrovia.com, offering planting and care tips as well as usage inspiration and company history.

There will be two variations of the design for Spring 2023. 2-gallon and larger-sized plants will feature a new flat, two-sided tag. 1-gallon plants will now have a reduced-size, two-sided tag that does not hang down below the pot.

“Part of helping consumers grow beautifully is to also grow responsibly,” says Jonathan Pedersen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Monrovia. “Growing Responsibly is not just a slogan. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint over time. This change to our tags is an important step.”

Sustainability has long been a priority for Monrovia. In the 1970s. the company became the first major nursery to recycle irrigation runoff, drastically reducing water and fertilizer use. Monrovia is also a recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency’s EPA Evergreen award, which recognizes outstanding pollution prevention efforts.

This year, Monrovia is undertaking a companywide assessment of its greenhouse gas emissions and establishing goals for reductions by 2030. The company is focusing on many areas of its operations, including research on reducing plastic in pots and testing biodegradable plastic materials, installation of energy-efficient greenhouses and boilers to reduce fuel use, and increasing efficiencies in loading practices.

“Our goal is not only to improve our own practices but to add to our industry’s positive influences on the environment,” Pedersen says. “We’re continuing to build a culture of sustainable practices at all of our nurseries.”

Brian Sparks is senior editor of Greenhouse Grower and editor of Greenhouse Grower Technology. See all author stories here.

Many nurseries are not displaying that information. This makes it difficult for shoppers to decide which plant they will be happy with.Please keep information on plant mature height & width, soil requirements, sun etc, water, and climate zone on your tags. Thank you for being a fantastic company.