Our commitment
At Withcott Seedlings, we take Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) seriously. Our approach integrates ESG considerations into every aspect of our business, from how we manage our environmental impact to how we treat our people and run our operations. We’re dedicated to creating a positive impact through sustainable practices, fair labour conditions and strong governance.

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
-
Location and site planning
Our nursery’s isolated and hilly location provides natural protection from external contaminants. We’ve designed our site to maximise sunlight, minimise soil erosion, and preserve native trees. Our major planting projects, like those from the 1990s and 2018, contribute to environmental conservation and enhance local biodiversity.
-
Water recycling
We’ve built our entire nursery around water recycling. Our reverse osmosis filtration system, combined with a 600 ML dam storage capacity, ensures a drought-proof, eco-friendly water source. This system not only supports our operations but also creates a habitat for local birdlife. Plus, we divert wastewater to irrigate pastures, further supporting our commitment to environmental stewardship.
-
Extensive biosecurity measures
We prioritise biosecurity with thorough protocols. Vehicles and personnel undergo soil decontamination, seeds are screened to meet Australian standards, and we produce critical components like vermiculite on-site. We also assess alternative media for sustainability and have successfully removed invasive species to allow natural grasses to thrive.
-
Protective growing
Innovation is key to our approach. We were the first horticultural business in Australia to use hail-netting from New Zealand to protect our crops. Our growing houses are designed to handle Australia’s harsh climate, with features that control ventilation, shade and wind. Our irrigation system focuses on efficient water use, contributing to our organic certification.
-
Plant & equipment
Our commitment to sustainability extends to our equipment. We’ve upgraded our truck fleet to more eco-efficient models, improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. By servicing our equipment locally, we cut down on transportation-related emissions. We also pioneered the shift from polystyrene to durable hard plastic trays, working closely with local manufacturers
-
Waste materials
We manage waste responsibly. Chemicals and substances are strictly controlled, with wastewater diverted to pastures. Waste-potting mix is repurposed to regenerate land, and other waste is handled by approved facilities. Our on-site grazing cattle and sheep help maintain the land and manage weeds.
-
Care of wildlife
Our site in Postmans Ridge is not just a nursery – it’s a thriving habitat for native species. We’ve implemented eco-friendly policies and tools to create a haven for local wildlife, demonstrating our commitment to environmental care.