Peat extraction and processing

Laflora ensures the long-term availability of peat resources by extracting peat from 2059 hectares across three peat extraction sites in Latvia:

• Kaigu Bog in Jelgava Municipality, 888 ha
• Drabiņu Bog in Jelgava Municipality, 863 ha
• Nīcgales Bog in Augšdaugava Municipality, 308 ha

Sustainable Peat Extraction

The company conducts peat resource extraction in strict compliance with regulatory requirements in the fields of resource extraction, environmental protection, and occupational safety. Documentation is available here.

Before starting peat extraction, an environmental impact assessment procedure is conducted. During this process, conclusions on the planned activity's impact on the environment are provided by an ornithologist, species and habitat expert, landscape expert. Air and noise pollution, GHG emissions assessments are conducted. Public consultations and surveys are organized to gather public opinion, and impact mitigation plans are developed if necessary.

Following this, Use of subterranean depths licenses are obtained from the State Environmental Service of the Republic of Latvia (SES).

Before preparing peat extraction fields, peat extraction and drainage system projects are developed and approved by the SES to minimize impacts on areas outside the peat extraction site. Recultivation plans are also developed, planning for the future use of the areas after peat extraction is completed.

Peat extraction is a slow and gradual process, taking several decades in one area—up to 70 years. The company regularly submits reports to the SES on natural resource extraction.

In peat extraction technologies and methods are used that minimize environmental impact and pollution, ensuring rational and responsible resource extraction.

The company collaborates with environmental sector experts and relevant institutions, which provide recommendations for mitigating and reducing impacts arising from production processes.

Laflora's peat extraction sites have received certification from the Latvian Peat Association, confirming the quality of peat extraction and production and the environmentally friendly use of peatlands. The certification of Responsibly Produced Peat is also being arranged.

Sustainable Peat Product Manufacturing

At the peat substrate and product manufacturing plant in Jelgava Municipality, innovative, safe, and energy-efficient technologies and production equipment are continuously implemented to reduce electricity consumption.

With the introduction of solar energy production capacities, the company has begun a gradual transition to increasing the share of renewable resources in production processes.

Laflora provides jobs in the regions—more than 300 residents of Jelgava and Augšdaugava Municipalities are employed by the company.

Waste Reduction in Production

The company constantly reviews operational processes to reduce waste flows in production, especially plastic waste. A waste management and sorting system has been implemented. Employee education and awareness of environmental issues are promoted.