Economical Environmentally Friendly Rockwool Alternative

[ChrisDuke]

Hi friends,
So I'm looking at developing an alternative to rockwool. The main selling point of this product is the fact that it is biodegradable, and through preliminary testing of the current construction it performs as well as rockwool in DWC setups. The product also facilitates germination, holds onto oxygen and water as well as rockwool does.
A couple of questions for are: If you use rockwool now, would you consider using this alternative? Would you be willing to pay a bit more for a natural product that works as well but is more environmentally friendly?
Thanks for any input!
Questions welcomed!

 

[Vikerus Forrest]

What is it made of? Mycelium? CoCo? Moss?
The main point would be if what you're using is actually ecologically sound. You would have to make it as shelf ready as rockwool to win out the public. A good price point will help too.

Good luck with your setup. Best way to get people on the wagon is to be honest about your product!

 

[ChrisDuke]

What is it made of? Mycelium? CoCo? Moss?
The main point would be if what you're using is actually ecologically sound. You would have to make it as shelf ready as rockwool to win out the public. A good price point will help too.

Good luck with your setup. Best way to get people on the wagon is to be honest about your product!

Thanks Vikerus.
It would be a coco coir based product that is probably going to be bound together mechanically versus chemically. Hopefully I can get a picture up later tonite. My main points to focus on with the product are biodegradable, costs inline with rockwool, structurally stable (won't fall apart and clog a aeroponics nozzle), and ph neutral. So far I've made these only for myself and a couple of buddies who wanted to try them. I've recently gotten some commitment for some help from the local university who is going to allow me access to their aeroponics program to do some side by side testing with the rockwool they currently use to get some baseline comparison feedback.
Any other input from you guys would be greatly appreciated!