PODCAST: Paper, Peat and Plantennas
Mont Hadley (L)
An entrepreneur from northwest Indiana is using innovation to change how greenhouses operate, while also working to control carbon emissions. Mont Handley developed a product called PittMoss, a peat moss substitute made from cellulose fibers like recycled newspaper. His idea even caught the attention of a popular TV pitch show. “We ended up on Shark Tank and got some funding from Mark Cuban, who’s done multiple investments in the company,” Handley said.
It’s been about seven years since PittMoss took off. Now, he’s focused on his next endeavor. It is smart technology in a plant container, called Plantennas.
In this week’s Ag+Bio+Science podcast presented by AgriNovus Indiana, Handley explains the concept was prompted after a conversation with greenhouse operators who were hoping to retire.
“I kept seeing an older couple in their 50s or 60s. And they were telling me, ‘We’re not sure how much longer we can do this. Our kids have no interest in this at all,’’ remembered Handley. He says labor is a common problem in greenhouses. “It’s too hard work. The revenues are diminishing. And I just thought with automation, robotics, and a unit level sensor, we could solve this issue.”
He created a sensor that’s embedded in landscaping pots when seeds are planted or propagated. He helps track the plant, monitor growth and allows greenhouse wholesalers to track the plants through the supply chain.
Handley says he filed for a patent in 2017 and just received it last fall. His partner is A.J. Moran, a part-time farmer and full-time financial expert.
“When you think about horticulture operations, labor and loss are the largest drivers of expenses in the horticulture industry. And we’re talking over 50% and even greater in some horticultural cases,” said Moran. “When we’re able to automate operations, we’re able to decrease expenses.”
Listen to the full conversation between Handley, Moran and Inside INdiana Business and podcast host Gerry Dick when it comes out Monday morning. Plus, click here to see the full lineup of podcasts from Inside INdiana Business.