Born from a farmer's vision, Repost recycles broken, chemically treated grape posts into fencing, tackling a critical waste disposal issue while providing affordable fencing solutions for waterways and natural areas across New Zealand. This innovative approach is a win-win for winegrowers, farmers, and the environment.
Greg Coppell, Repost Fence Posts, in front of Repost's processing site at Jackson Estate, where broken posts are transformed by removing nails and trimming them to fence post length.
The Startup company won the Cawthron Marlborough Environment Awards Wine Industry category. Its innovative concept significantly aids the viticulture industry.
In line with one of NZ Winegrowers' six sustainability objectives, Repost contributes significantly to the industry's 'zero waste to landfill by 2050' ambition. “Repost has just brought our industry closer to that target, particularly for grape growers,” Bridget Ennals, NZ Winegrowers told field day attendees.
“I am pleased we are here to celebrate a concept that has assisted the viticulture industry immensely by creating a pathway to a circular economy”.
Field Day attendees received a demonstration of the processing site.
Embracing the Circular Economy redefines how by-products are routinely diverted from the waste stream to serve a useful purpose. In contrast to traditional linear waste disposal, this regenerative system continuously reuses resources, minimizing waste, and aiding in decarbonisation. In an era marked by environmental concerns and resource scarcity, this approach has evolved from a choice to a necessity.
Greg Coppell, Liam Garlick and Dansy Coppell
“Recycling treated timber posts has been one of the most challenging waste issues faced by vineyards today due to their inability to be burnt, composted or mulched. Stockpiles of broken posts can be found on many vineyards; all waiting for a solution to recycle and avoid sending to landfill,” says Bridget.
The field day included a visit to Repost's processing site at Jackson Estate, where broken posts are transformed by removing nails and trimming them to fence post length.
“Each Repost post used on a farm is one less grape post going into landfill. The sensible approach to deal with broken vineyard posts is an all-round win for Repost, the wine industry, farmers and the environment,” said Andy Frost, CMEA judge.
Repost is the Wine Industry category winner, sponsored by Marlborough Wine. Marlborough Research Centre has been a long time supporter of the awards, sponsoring, together with Plant & Food Research, the Supreme winner.
Find out about the next field day on November 3 here.