
A revolution in the making
In response to climate challenges, gardening is changing: recycled materials, repairable tools, local production and natural alternatives are the order of the day. While a lot remains to be done, the progress of the last 25 years is laying the foundations for a sustainable future.

For a long time, global warming was seen as a remote possibility. But now that day is here: global temperatures are now 1.5°C higher than in the preindustrial era. All the talk is of climate change. Many believe that the eff orts made by industry are not enough. But we need to remember how far we have come.
Twenty-five years ago, gardening was all about chemicals. Pesticides, insecticides and herbicides were omnipresent in gardeners’ cupboards. Few were wary about their use. The older generations even doubted the existence of global warming. Recycling, meanwhile, was in its infancy. The concept of carbon footprints was simply non-existent.
However, in the 1980s, a new awareness emerged, initiating a transitional process towards more environmentally friendly gardening. It took decades for these ideas to catch on. Today, progress is impressive: chemical products have given way to natural alternatives, recycled materials are becoming more widespread and production lines are being reinvented. These transformations reflect a remarkable collective eff ort. While challenges remain, the foundations for a sustainable future have been laid.
Back to nature
The gardening cupboards of the 1980s resembled a chemistry laboratory. The products promised quick results against pests and diseases. In 2008, the Botanic chain was a pioneer in banning phytosanitary products from its shelves. A decade later, in 2019, France banned their sale to consumers. This watershed opened the way for natural alternatives such as plant manure, essential oils and biological control using helper organisms such as ladybirds.
And research is still ongoing. Anne-Catherine Philippe, head of marketing at Bayrol, explains: "Today, seven out of ten swimming pools are fitted with automatic treatment equipment as soon as they are built. This reduces the use of products and makes maintenance easier. In 2024, Bayrol launched the Respect range, based on active ingredients of plant origin. These enzyme-based products optimise water treatment by reducing the organic matter present in the pools. This reduces the use of products such as chlorine.”
Another example, described by Julien Bernard-Brunel, marketing director at Evergreen Garden Care: “We have worked with a start-up to market our Wiliv x Home Defense connected mosquito trap based on biomimicry. This device reproduces human breathing and odour to attract mosquitoes (common and tiger). They are caught in a net. This product is environmentally friendly and fits in well with our range of natural solutions for protecting the home.” It should be remembered that that research takes time. New natural solutions will emerge in the years to come.
Sustainability, a new requirement :
The best waste is the waste you don’t produce. This philosophy is increasingly being applied to gardening. Some, like Julien Bernard-Brunel, are banking on renewable energy. The marketing director of Evergreen Garden Care gives an example: “For several years now, we have been committed to a strong sustainable development approach. For example, we have reduced the use of peat in our potting soils, allowing us to protect peat bogs and thus biodiversity. Four years ago, we launched a range of Fertiligène peat-free potting soils. We are continuing to invest in alternatives in our formulas, such as miscanthus, a local, low-energy plant. The aim is to be peat-free in all our potting soils by 2030. We could also mention that most of our wood now comes sustainably managed forests.”

Programmed obsolescence is a thing of the past, and repairability is gaining ground. Stihl seeks to extend the lifespans of its products by improving the repairability, recyclability and reconditioning of machines. Its products are designed to be easy to dismantle and repair. Repairability indices allow consumers to make an informed choice: an approach which falls within the French AGEC law and forthcoming European standards. Another example: Proloisirs is innovating in garden furniture with parasols that can be fully repaired using interchangeable parts. Here again, research is enabling companies to move forward. Sustainability is no longer just a commitment: it’s a transformation in progress.
The watchword: recycle
The post-war society was characterised by an overabundance of goods. That world no longer exists. Since the 2000s, recycled products have gradually taken over. There have been many innovations. The use of recycled plastic has become widespread, leading however to a few problems: it is becoming increasingly difficult to source this essential raw material. But the approach is paying off: Edelman's Green Care range, made up of recycled products, has seen its sales rise from 3% to 25% in 5 years. In this manufacturers’ battle of ingenuity, Florentaise offers Copobrique, a mulch made from recycled bricks. This product won the Jury's Special Award at the 2023 Journées des Collections. Evergreen Garden Care, in partnership with French start-up Capillum, has launched a Fertiligène antidrought mulch made from sheep's wool and hair (winning the JDC "Responsible and Shrewd Garden" award). This biodegradable material preserves soil moisture and reduces watering frequency, while enriching the soil thanks to the keratin contained in hair. Recycling is no longer an option, but an obvious choice. In the garden, as elsewhere, the future is written with yesterday's waste. It is a virtuous circle that never ceases to inspire and reinvent itself.

As for the future…
While progress has undeniably been made, gardening still faces a number of challenges if it is to become truly sustainable. However, innovation must focus on solutions that are cost-effective... to last over time. Recycled materials, repairable tools and natural alternatives must become the norm. The reshoring of production, combined with short supply chains, could also significantly reduce the carbon footprint. Retailers would also benefit from organising the second-hand market themselves. Second-hand has become a way of life.
Do we really have a choice? Between the end of the month and the end of the world, according to an Odoxa survey published in March 2024, 52% of French people said that the rising cost of living remains their main concern, followed by climate change (34%). Some 52% of those surveyed believe that, on the contrary, in times of crisis, environmental policies should be pursued because they are not incompatible with growth and employment. This is a complete reversal of the perceptions that prevailed less than 10 years ago. Finally, and a lesser-known fact, is that almost all French people (95%) consider protecting biodiversity to be an important issue.
The road ahead is long, but the green revolution is underway. Perhaps more should be done to publicise all the solutions implemented over the last 25 years. Many consumers, particularly younger ones, seem unaware of the progress that has been made.
Carbon emissions, the thorny issue
There is undoubtedly room improvement in this area. And yet... Horticultural production, a major energy consumer, has come a long way. Most horticultural farms get some or all of their energy from renewable sources (solar panels, geothermal energy and biomass). As we have seen, peat production is declining. Electric tools are on the increase.
Transport remains a major challenge. Every kilometre driven generates between 50 and 100g of CO₂. Companies are trying to do something about it. Renaud Lorillard from the company Elho sums it up: "To reduce our logistics footprint, we've started to produce in France but not yet to store here, which is that's the next step. This brings us closer to our markets and makes us more reactive.” In addition to carbon footprint, local production is also proving to be an excellent marketing argument. Consumers are increasingly sensitive to the origin of products. Reducing carbon emissions is a major challenge, but every step counts. Between renewable energies, local production and logistical innovations, the industry is adapting and making progress.