By combining scientific analysis and understanding of forest eco systems with high-tech know-how and technical innovation, the company is able to deliver more reliable, scalable, ecologically diverse and therefore more resilient reforestation solutions. Skyseed recently received the German Sustainability Award in the category of “Forestry” in recognition of its efforts.
The heart of the process: pelletizing and seed coating
One of the key technologies that helps Skyseed to achieve this success is the unique mixing process based on careful research that enables separation and pelletizing of the different seeds in order to optimize the sowing process. After pelletizing in a specially developed process, the seeds have a protective coating that provides them with a much higher likelihood of survival under adverse conditions. The process enables a more precise and more efficient yield – a vital advantage for target regions that are difficult to access.
Tried and tested mixing technology paves the way for innovative methods
The mixing technology from Eirich that has already been successfully tried and tested in many different industries has played a central role in establishing the pelletizing technique specially developed by Skyseed. These mixing solutions allow careful separation of the seeds followed by mixing, granulating, and coating with a wide range of different materials. This results in precisely crafted seed pellets, which are vital for ensuring that the sowing process is successful and healthy plant growth is established. Even tiniest seeds that would normally not be suitable for manual sowing can be delivered in this way. The coating protects both the seed and subsequent seedling against the risk of drying out and against pests or insects that would eat them. In addition, it also contains a mix of starting nutrients and other ingredients to help the plants put down roots effectively at the target site.
Diversity for a resilient future
Whether grand fir, Douglas fir, or domestic tree species: well thought-out seeding of woodlandsand forest areas with carefully chosen and diverse species plays a key role in helping our forests adapt to climate change. However, all types of seeds have their own unique needs in order to promote effective germination even under adverse conditions. The experience and tried and tested technologies of Eirich enable Skyseed to reliably meet the challenging demands they face when it comes to creating special mixtures for ecological, forestry and agricultural applications. The process completely avoids the use of any pesticides or polymers, which means that the pellets are 100% made of natural, organic starting materials that are produced in Germany.
Partnership for long-term and sustainable solutions for the future
In the partnership between Skyseed and Eirich, the combination of experience, reliable technical know-how and innovative strength yields tremendous synergy effects. For over 160 years, Eirich has been developing innovative new approaches for a wide range of industries, contributing its expertise to ever new solutions for specific challenges in different sectors. This enables unlimited innovation transfer between different areas. From individual mixing processes to the production of optimized granulates, this technology – which is tried and tested yet flexible enough to always be open to fine tuning – creates the perfect conditions for delivering innovative and challenging projects like this latest one at Skyseed.
“It seems that without intelligent and innovative solutions we will find it very difficult to successfully master the huge challenges faced by forest owners, but also by society in general,” reflects Ole Seidenberg, co-founder and CEO of Skyseed. “However, we are confident that a lot of the damage that has been caused in many places through drastic changes to and over-exploitation of forests can be repaired through carefully- considered use of suitable technologies. I am referring here to the technology we have developed. It is important, however, that we widen our gaze beyond the immediate world of forestry. With Eirich, we have found the perfect partner to help us implement our solutions – a partner whose expertise and interdisciplinary understanding is something we are only too happy to build on. It allows us to embed a large number of biochemical functions in our pellets to ensure that the best possible starting conditions are created for our valuable reforesting seeds.”
Bernhard König, Sales Manager at Eirich, underlines: “At Eirich, we are very proud to be an innovation partner that can help a project like this succeed. Particularly for this startup we were able to not only assist with efficiently refurbished second-hand machines, but we also provided invaluable support in terms of process engineering. From initial consultations to trials at our Test Center and support with conversion work and line testing. We are delighted to take on the role of a pioneer who contributes clever ideas and smart processes – as is the case here with Skyseed. Together we develop optimized solutions for a world around us that is worth living in – both for us now and for generations to come in the future.”
