Within the Business Centre Treeport (BCT), ROOTZ is rapidly evolving into a leading centre for knowledge and innovation in the tree nursery sector. Programme manager **Peter Berben** explains how the themes of soil, water and plant compounds are becoming increasingly interconnected. ‘We look at plants in a broader way,’ he says. ‘Not just as crops, but as sources of valuable substances – that’s what we call green chemistry.’

In the **Green Chemistry** subsidy project, ROOTZ collaborates with ZLTO and the province of North Brabant to explore how plants can serve as natural raw materials. The idea is that plants produce compounds that can be used for biobased construction materials, natural dyes or even water purification. ‘For instance, we’re studying whether species like laurel, willow or alder generate by-products that could have value in other industries,’ Berben explains.

This concept is known as **‘Lagro-mining’** – harvesting valuable substances from plants. ‘A plant is essentially a chemical factory,’ Berben says. ‘It absorbs minerals from the soil, converts them into sugars, fibres and fatty acids, and stores them in roots, branches or leaves. If we better understand that cycle, we can create new applications that contribute to a circular economy.’

ROOTZ acts as a connector, bringing together growers, researchers, students and companies. ‘We work in projects, but always grounded in practice,’ Berben notes. ‘Our trials take place at local nurseries, so we immediately see what works. It’s all about sharing knowledge and collaborating.’

The green chemistry research ties in with other ROOTZ focus areas such as **soil improvement, water management and biodiversity**. ‘The future requires resilient systems,’ Berben says. ‘That’s why we’re exploring ways to make cultivation more sustainable without compromising quality or yield. Innovation is our plan B – and sometimes even plan A.’

At **GrootGroenPlus**, ROOTZ demonstrates how research and practice come together. Visitors will easily spot the team in their white lab coats – a symbol of their open, scientific approach. ‘We want to show that the tree nursery industry is more than just production,’ Berben concludes. ‘It’s a knowledge-driven, forward-looking sector – and ROOTZ is its clubhouse.’