Do You Need Eco-friendly Horse Bedding? Sorbeo Is Here for You

The equestrian industry, while beloved by many, isn’t often recognised for its environmental credentials. Horse owners face a significant challenge: managing the vast amounts of waste generated daily. From feed bags and bedding bags to worn-out rugs and plastic tubs, much of this waste ends up in landfill. Single-use bedding, in particular, contributes to tonnes of unnecessary waste each year, placing a heavy burden on our planet.

At Sorbeo, we’ve made it our mission to change this. We’re committed to helping horse owners reduce their carbon hoofprint with our innovative, eco-friendly horse bedding. Sorbeo is not just a bedding solution; it’s a 100% carbon-neutral product designed to make a positive impact on the environment.

Our Carbon Footprint: A Commitment to Sustainability

Sorbeo’s eco bedding for horses is proudly made in south-west Scotland, on the edge of the breathtaking Dumfries and Galloway forest. We use virgin spruce pine sourced from forests within a 60-mile radius of our facility. This local sourcing significantly reduces haulage mileage, cutting down on carbon emissions. To further minimise our environmental impact, some of the felled trees are transported to our Ayrshire factory by boat, utilising the reopened North Channel sea harbour at Girvan. Few wood pellet manufacturers worldwide can claim such a small carbon footprint.

When you purchase a bag of Sorbeo, you’re not just buying eco bedding for horses – you’re investing in a cycle of sustainability. For every tree we harvest, we plant a new forest seedling, ensuring the long-term health of our woodlands. Our forests are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which sets rigorous standards for responsible forest management and labels products as eco-friendly.

A Zero-Waste Manufacturing Process

Our factory operates on a zero-waste principle, powered by biomass boilers fuelled by our own energy pellets. All carbon emissions generated during manufacturing are offset by the trees we replant. Every part of the tree is used – even the bark stripped from the logs is repurposed in the biomass process. This meticulous approach results in an ultra-low net carbon displacement of over 95%, making Sorbeo one of the most eco-conscious horse bedding options available.

Local Commitment, Global Impact

Sorbeo’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond our product. Our entire team, support network, and supply chain operate within a 60-mile radius of Ayrshire, ensuring that we contribute to the local economy while minimising our environmental impact. This commitment has earned us the prestigious status of ‘Proud Supporter’ within the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere – one of only four such biospheres in the UK.

Beware of Cheap Imports: Not All Bedding is Created Equal

Since 2006, the market for wood pellet bedding has grown by 20%, but not all products meet the standards of true eco-friendly horse bedding. Many cheap imports originate from Eastern Europe and Russia, where forestry stewardship is often lacking. In these regions, forests are frequently cut down without being replanted, and illegal logging is a widespread issue.

These imported pellets are often made from compressed sawdust or waste wood, such as old pallets, resulting in bedding that is dusty, brittle, and less effective. To make matters worse, some pellets contain glue additives to bind them together, as the natural adhesive (lignin) is destroyed during processing. These pellets are primarily intended for the biomass and energy markets, where they are subject to just 5% VAT. When sold as equestrian bedding, suppliers – and buyers – are breaking the law.

At Sorbeo, we believe in transparency and sustainability. Our bedding is made from premium-grade, sustainably sourced timber, ensuring a high-quality, eco-friendly product that you can trust.

A Word on Packaging: Balancing Sustainability and Practicality

As plastic bans gain momentum worldwide, the question arises: what should replace it? While paper packaging might seem like the obvious choice, most life-cycle assessments reveal that plastic is actually greener in terms of resource use and pollution. Paper production requires significantly more energy and water, and its environmental impact is often higher.

The key issue isn’t the amount of plastic we use, but what we do with it after use. Plastic is highly recyclable, but the UK lacks a consistent, nationwide recycling policy. Currently, recycling rules vary widely between councils:

• Some offer kerbside collections for all plastics.
• Others accept only specific types, such as bottles or bins.
• Many recycling centres cannot process plastic bags or wraps at all.

At Sorbeo, we’re committed to finding the best solution. Our bedding is packaged in recyclable LDPE04 plastic (Low-Density Polythene), which is made from 30% recycled materials. We’re also trialling paper alternatives from Sweden, but until a fully recyclable, waterproof paper option is available, we believe recycled plastic is the most sustainable choice. This approach allows us to:

• Reduce costs for our customers.
• Remove plastic waste from the environment by repurposing it into new bags.
• Minimise our environmental impact while maintaining product quality.

Why Choose Sorbeo?

• Eco-Friendly Bedding: Made from sustainable, FSC-certified timber.
• Recyclable Packaging: LDPE04 plastic made from 30% recycled materials.
• Local Sourcing: Supporting Scottish forests and reducing transport emissions.
• Zero Waste: Every part of the tree is used in our manufacturing process.

By choosing Sorbeo, you’re not just investing in high-quality horse bedding – you’re supporting a sustainable future for the equestrian industry. Together, we can reduce waste, protect our forests, and make a positive impact on the planet.

Are you ready to make the switch? Contact us to learn more about our eco-friendly solutions.